Is This The Perfect New York City Night?
Before he gets into the elevator from his hotel room to go on stage at Café Carlyle, Erich Bergen puts on Sinatra-Sinatra at the Sands to be exact, the one conducted by Quincy Jones and with the whole Count Basie Orchestra-has a little Jack on the rocks, checks his Ralph Lauren (or it Tom Ford tonight?) tux , and then he might pinch himself. “I am having some real full circle moments right now.” The singer and actor has just finished a run as Billy Flynn in Chicago on Broadway, where he sold the show’s t-shirts back in college. And this week he opens the season at Café Carlyle, a place where as a kid growing up in New York, he used to come to see Eartha Kitt, “and Stritch. And I saw Wynona Judd who was so great here. And of course there have been many nights at Bemelmans.”
Café Carlyle, the intimate cabaret space that opened on the first floor of the classic New York city hotel is a singular experience-one many believe to be a perfect New York city night. The space holds only ninety people for dinner, drinks, and live music. “Old fashioned maybe,” says Bergen who kicks off a season that will include Peter Cincotti, Betty Buckley, Michael Feinstein, and Rita Wilson, “but also feels like the future of the New York we all want. And it's been so exciting to see a new generation discover Bemelmans. Café Carlyle is next. “ He has been here on stage before. Last spring, Bergen played two nights to sold out crowds at Café Carlyle.
For anyone who was in the mural covered room on May 20 or 21, some things are changing-there will be some songs from Chicago, and two guest stars for duets—but most of it is not. The New York medley will still be sung. “And I can never mess with Jersey Boys,” says the singer and actor who starred as Bob Gaudio in Clint Eastwood’s Jersey Boys movie. “I did try to take it out before but then you realize that’s dumb. Barry Manilow always sings Copacabana. “ (Given the audience’s full on participation when he sang I love You Baby at his last show this is a good idea.) “And Clive (Davis) told me I should sing a Harry Styles song. I remembered Falling and of course my musical theater nerd brain connected it to Falling from Playing Our Song so that’s in too.” Bergen’s affection and respect for Café Carlyle makes everyone want to sing along-and also order another Manhattan. And then maybe check in and get room service.. “It’s like a small living room and a great sound system and the greatest place to be in the audience. But the best part of working there is they give you a suite to stay in and even monogram your pillows. There’s no backstage so its your dressing room. Living in the same place where you are performing. Elevator to stage in 8 minutes. It all feels very Sinatra in Vegas to me.” And after the show at Café Carlyle? Is it straight to Bemelmans then? “’The Hang’ after is one of the greatest things in show business. But I've got to behave. I have a 70 minute show to get through every night.”
After his week at Café Carlyle, (September 13-17) Bergen, who you also might recognize from Madam Secretary or Bull or Waitress (or maybe you went to Stagedoor Manor together?), has other big New York City nights ahead. His production company 6W Enteratinment is putting together the Gods Love We deliver gala and other events in New York City this fall. Its named after Apartment 6W, the loft in Chelsea where he grew up and first started performing. “I gave full concerts. Human Nature. Michael Jackson. I’d dress up in suits and perform. It all started in apartment 6W.” He does not rule out a return to Chicago on Broadway in the future but at home in New York seems to be the plan this fall. “Ill be here this year for Thanksgiving. Maybe I’ll cook the turkey this time?” Or maybe order it at The Carlyle? Perfect with a side of Whiskey Smash.
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