Cabaret Scenes | July 7, 2019 | 0 Comments
A Conversation with Meg Flather
and her Cabaret Sisterhood
July 7, 2019
Meg Flather
Meg Flather has made a name for herself in cabaret as a performer and songwriter. On July 14 and September 14 at 4:00 pm at NYC’s Don’t Tell Mama, she gathers fellow singers in a performance of her songs for A Cabaret Sisterhood. Tracy Stark is MD and Lennie Watts is creative consultant.
We have asked the singers to tell us what it means to them to be a part of this show and what drew them to the song they will be presenting.
Before we get to that, here’s a bit about Meg and our conversation with her.
Meg Flather is a two-time Bistro Award winner, three-time MAC Award Winner, and five-time Broadway World nominee. As a singer/songwriter, she has released seven CDs of her original music and has written and recorded songs for independent films, Off Broadway, and on behalf of HIV/AIDS, 9/11, Alzheimer’s, Autism, and suicide awareness. She has also been a featured performer for The Gay Men’s Health Crisis at New York’s historic Webster Hall, the Vermont Film Festival, the Tribeca Film Festival, and to benefit the 2013 victims of Typhoon Yolanda at the Philippine Consulate in NYC. Meg made her Mabel Mercer Cabaret Convention debut at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater on October 9, 2018. She is a member of SAG/AFTRA & AEA, and after years serving as a Brand Ambassador for five International skincare brands on all home shopping networks in North America and Australia, Meg released her autobiography, Home Shopping Diva…Lessons, Lyrics and Lipstick available on Amazon. Her new show, Outbound Plane opens at Don’t Tell Mama on July 28 at 5 pm.
What was the spark that brought this show to life?
I have had this quiet dream of sitting in a dark theater and
hearing my cabaret “sisters” sing my songs for some time now. While
walking Sally Darling to a taxi, I shared this quiet dream with her. She
basically made me do it. “You go home and email Sidney Myer for show
dates right now!” (Who doesn’t do what Sally Darling says?) I did it. In
48 hours I had two dates, my musical director (Tracy Stark), my
creative consultant (Lennie Watts), a cast of 27 women, and a beautiful
postcard designed by Helane Blumfield. A perfect example of when
something is “right” it flows and comes easily. (I must add that Lisa
Viggiano has been pushing me to do this since we became friends in
November, 2016! It took our Sally to make me do it!)
How did you select the singers?
Several of the singers had already covered my songs in their
shows. (The greatest compliment of all. Thank you!) The other singers
were artists that I had worked closely with in group shows and who have
expressed personal interest in my songs. Each choice was very personal.
The hard part of this project was dealing with the fact that I could not
ask every woman I love in cabaret to sing my songs. These “firsts” were
already fans of my tunes and made that fact clear. That is why they
were chosen for this maiden voyage.
How did you decide who should sing what?
This was completely channeled. I think the Sally Darling “fairy
dust” was still at work. I came home from her strong instruction and
created a list on my phone. I could not type fast enough. I heard the
songs and the specific voices in my head. It really was that easy. At a
rehearsal, Lennie Watts turned to me and basically said, “Great
casting, Meg.” I am most proud of this fact. Each song fits each singer
like a custom-sewn gown.
What to you hope a show like this does for songwriters?
I hope this show inspires others to create opportunities that
are inclusive. Blending a cast of those who are “well known” and
“award-winning” with those who should be well known was my intent. The
goal of this effort was to create community through my songs—a
sisterhood. (Hence the title.)
What do you hope the lasting effect of such a show has?
In addition to creating community, I hope to expand the
boundaries of cabaret. As a female contemporary songwriter, I believe if
songs tell a story they are part of the American Songbook; relatives.
Why not? Isn’t it always evolving?
And now, a few words from the Cabaret Sisterhood!
Corinna Sowers Adler
Photo: Maryann Lopinto
Corinna Sowers Adler
I am thrilled to be part of the Cabaret Sisterhood! My student,
Elizabeth Nucci and I have been singing Meg’s song “On the Second
Floor” for about a year and a half. It is part of my Second Stories
show. I know that Meg wrote this song in tribute to her mother and what
she was suffering through. But this song has taken on a new meaning for
me as I connect it to my students and our voice studio, which happens
to be on the second floor of the Oakside Bloomfield Cultural Center. I
was alone in the studio, listening to Meg’s album, when I found myself
so moved by the lyric about role reversals. I saw myself as a young
singer walking into a beautiful old mansion (one that is incredibly
similar to the one I now spend my days in teaching) to find the teacher
that changed my life. I was struck by how the cycles and lessons of life
seem to sometimes repeat themselves in such a beautiful serendipitous
way. It is a joy to get to sing this song with Liz. Every time we
perform it I am grateful to have been part of her life and her
development as a performer and person. I don’t take lightly that
responsibility, and Meg’s song reminds me that “her laughter let me in.”
Amorika Amoroso
Amorika Amoroso
“Yes, Meg! I’m In! Yes!” Honestly, I didn’t even finish hearing
the question when I immediately responded YES! To be a part of anything
that Meg Flather is putting together is a honor. Meg is such a smart,
tireless performer and all-around amazing human. I have never met anyone
like her. Her kindness, empathy, humor, heart, and talent pull you in
and instantly make you feel like family. The entire idea of the evening
is just so totally Meg! A Cabaret Sisterhood perfectly describes
how Meg sees and approaches life. She always tries to make everyone feel
welcome, valued, and part of the community. I can’t believe that I get
to share the stage with so many amazing women and sing Meg’s work. I
love Meg’s songwriting and especially the tune she picked for me. The
song is called “Like Me.” It really taps into the darker, more desperate
side of social media, the unraveling that can occur to one’s spirit and
life that most people don’t like to discuss. Thank you so much, Meg,
for inviting me to be a part of this magnificent night.
Celia Berk
Photo: John Rogers
Celia Berk
The obvious thing that makes A Cabaret Sisterhood so special is
that it’s an all-female cast singing the music of a female songwriter.
But anyone who knows Meg knows that what makes it so special is Meg
herself. She honestly takes pleasure in seeing (and hearing) others
shine. What better way to do that than by entrusting us with her songs?
Josephine Sanges and I are each doing “Hold On Tight” on different days.
It’s an anthem about moving forward and—as Michelle Obama would
say—going high. Now doesn’t that sound like Meg??
Helane Blumfield
Helane Blumfield
Being a part of this show is a cabaret dream come true. To perform a Meg
Flather song with my friend dear Mary Sue Daniels and to share the
stage with so many women that inspire me is more than I could even
image. Our song “Downstream” is about creating your own path and not
listening to talk around you—a lesson we can all be reminded of. When
thinking about what to write I looked up the definition of “sisterhood”:
“an association, society, or community of women linked by a
common interest.” I am so grateful for this community and to be a part
of our sisterhood. Thank you Meg Flather for including me in your
journey.
Lucille Carr-Kaffashan
Lucille Carr-Kaffashan
I first met Meg in March, 2017 at the Bistro Awards show where we were
both recognized for our work. As I left the stage and walked past her
that evening, she whispered her congratulations along with a quick “you
should check out my songs!” What an honor to have a songwriter
immediately imagine you singing one of her beautiful songs!
And, the rest is history. We became fast friends, and my admiration for her songwriting and performance skills have continued to grow. I was thrilled when she asked me to participate in the Cabaret Sisterhood showcase. Amazing songs and such accomplished women singers—what’s not to love?
Meg asked me to sing “My Heaven (a song for Bonnie).” She described the event that triggered the idea for the song, and explained that Bonnie was a beloved caregiver for her mother during the final years of her life. For me, the song conveys a powerful message: that while others interpret heaven as a place to aspire to after death, heaven exists every day in our lives, especially in the kindness and care-taking of others. This song is an expression of Meg’s take on spirituality and a reminder to be grateful and in the moment. But, like all really good songs, there are layers and layers to be discovered over time. I find this song to be particularly poignant in our current socio-political environment as we consider the value of all lives, and the contributions, large and small, that all humans make. I am so happy to be singing it in this very special show.
Mary Sue Daniels
Mary Sue Daniels
Meg Flather is such a beacon of light in the cabaret community,
incredibly supportive of her colleagues and a powerful
performer/songwriter. By offering her music and bringing us together in a
creative nurturing environment, Meg is continuing to set a positive
example for all of us to follow. I am singing a duet with Helane
Blumfield. The song, “Downstream,” is about a time, even just a moment,
when you realize that you can stop struggling and enjoy some peace and
contentment in what you have already accomplished. The metaphor of
swimming downstream, instead of fighting the current, is a great lesson.
I am beyond grateful to be “in the ‘hood” with these excellent women.
Sally Darling
Sally Darling
Meg Flather is beautiful person, singer, songwriter. To be in a
program of her songs with such a stellar company of singers seems
incredible. And I have the joy of singing her appreciation and
affirmation for all cabaret singers. It’s very special and I’m honored.
Natalie Douglas
Photo: Bill Westmoreland
Natalie Douglas
Meg Flather is simply made of light, so anytime one gets to bask in her
glow is an absolute joy. She and I have shared all kinds of moments over
the years, but the musical, political, and emotional ones are the most
resonant, so singing her song, “We Are as Strong,” brings back those
moments and the ways in which Meg and other Sister-Goddesses like her
have taught me so much. Not to mention, when you look at this cast list,
you just know backstage with these women is gonna be a freaking good
time!
Kathy Kaefer
Kathy Kaefer
I am so honored to be included in this group of incredible women. Meg is
quite simply one of the most authentic, intuitive, and open-hearted
people I’ve had the pleasure to know. She shares her truth in her life
and in her music. She truly believes in the marrow of her bones that
there is room in this world for everyone to express themselves. She is
incredibly supportive, and brings out the best in everyone. She
certainly has in me. I stepped away from my music a few years ago when I
became a mother. She never let go of the rope and has gently coaxed me
back on the boards now that I’m ready. I’m so moved to be singing one of
her songs, “Cause I Do.” It truly expresses the longing that I feel to
leave the world a better place for my daughter. What a joy this night
will be.
Becca Kidwell
Photo: Natasha Castillo
Becca Kidwell
I’m singing “Too Intense For You.” I’m a very passionate
person. I can spend hours talking about my favorite celebrities, TV
shows, or philosophy, and not everyone is comfortable with that. What I
like about the song is that it says, “this is who I am, if you can’t
take it, just keep walking.”
Lina Koutrakos
Lina Koutrakos
First of all, it’s Meg. Meg Flather. If there ever was a purer
female heart I have yet to meet her. She is an Aquarian female so she
is also a team player, a human’s human, and a woman. Put that all
together and it screams SISTERHOOD. Bringing women together to sing her
compositions is perfect and I can’t believe she hasn’t done it before
this. (I do think she is on to something now, tho!) I am singing a song
that is not really in my wheelhouse and I choose it for that reason. As
Meg and her music always seem to inspire the best in us, I thought I
should say “thank you” to this lady by stepping a bit out of my comfort
zone and doing…well…better. I’m thrilled to be in the company of good
women. Thanks, Meg, for gathering us!
Laurie Krauz
Laurie Krauz
We always say how thrilled we are to be part of a group show, but there
is something extra special about this one. The Sisterhood we experience
in cabaret for me is real and has become more so as the years have
passed. I’m so honored to be part of this amazing cast of female
vocalists. And SO privileged to have been asked to be in the “delivery
room” when Meg births the babies of all of her creations. I know how
personal these songs are for her—that’s what makes them so brilliant;
they literally live and breathe life, every one of them.
When Meg assigned “What Only We Can Know” to me she hit a home run. I’ve heard Meg sing a zillion times but I’d never heard “What Only We Can Know” and I fell instantly in love with the song. Meg is also the only human being to have sung this previously, so it’s pretty exciting to be the first non-Meg to sing it. The song is so brilliantly crafted. It allows me the opportunity to do what I love most when I sing: dig down deep to my soul and express through both lyric and music. The first time I had the opportunity to rehearse with Tracy Stark, it just took us to a musical/artistic/emotional place that I yearn for as an artist.
I’ve heard a couple of the other numbers in rehearsal. Folks, this show will be one for the ages as both art and community.
Rosemary Loar
Photo: John Quilty
Rosemary Loar
I’m thrilled to be a part of A Cabaret Sisterhood. It speaks to
my belief that women have to start showing up for each other whenever
and wherever then can if things are going to move forward for women. I
have four sisters myself and growing up I knew first hand the value of
having a tribe that would always have my back. As an adult I have
widened the circle of sisterhood to friends and colleagues in my
theater life and in the cabaret community. I love that Meg put this
show together as it celebrates not only her excellent music but a group
of women that I am proud to call my “sisters.”
When Meg
asked me to sing “My Heaven” with Lucille I was thrilled. This song is a
real anthem to the invisible people who populate the world. In our
present culture there is a near adoration of fame, power, artifice, and
superficial beauty. I love that Meg wisely celebrates and recognizes the
importance of the wonderful people who do the jobs that are, for the
most part, under paid and under appreciated. This is a real example of
how Meg’s music is a reflection of the generosity of spirit and deep
integrity.
Sue Matsuki
Photo: Eric Stephen Jacobs
Sue Matsuki
I’ve known Meg for over 30 years and have always adored her. I also love
her music. She writes from a place of an open heart and always moves
me. The song Deborah Stone and I were assigned is “Like a Sunday” and it
could not be a more perfect song for the two of us or for the blend of
our voices (Who knew? We’ve never sung together before!) We decided to
perform it with Deborah on guitar and vocals only (as Meg originally
recorded it) because we felt it was how this song should be
presented—purely. I’ll let Deborah speak for herself, but I think that
we both “get” this song and are grateful that Meg asked us to be a part
of what is going to be an extraordinary event. The singers on this bill
are all family and yes, part of a huge sisterhood, so I could not be
more proud and honored to be a part of this show.
Tanya Moberly
Tanya Moberly
Meg and I have been friends since 1991 when we did Company together (she was Marta, I was April), and I am thrilled to finally be performing one of her songs. It is going to be a spectacular event.
Elizabeth Nucci
Elizabeth Nucci
Being part of A Cabaret Sisterhood means more than anyone can
possibly know. Meg’s music has brought to light some of the most
humbling, heartwarming, and loving messages that the world needs to
hear. Her song “On the Second Floor,” written about a personal
experience with her mother, speaks to me as a song of hope and love. The
song tells the story of new beginnings and, for me, brings out my love
of music. Getting to perform with my role model Corinna [Sowers Adler]
is an added bonus, as we reminisce about our beginning together, and how
we look forward to continue our journey.
Karen Oberlin
Photo: Bill Westmoreland
Karen Oberlin
The moment I first got to have a full conversation with Meg Flather, I
loved her. Plain and simple. She has a passion for women and a humanity
she fearlessly shares with endless enthusiasm, and I think many people
have a similar experience with her. She is also a constant, bottomless
creative force. Just being in her company is inspiring!
I LOVE her songs, and I’ve happily sung backup for a
song of hers in the Stephen Hanks democratic fundraising events. I felt
honored to be asked to find a song that I felt suited me, and the
harmonic complexity of the song I chose perfectly, and organically,
suited the lyrics. It was impossible to resist. There’s so much
strength, bravery and TRUTH in her songs, just as there is in her
singing. I’m very happy to say Tanya Moberly and I will be performing
this special song on alternating nights, and I love sharing it with her.
Josephine Sanges
Josephine Sanges
Meg and I have often spoken about what life caring for an ailing parent
is like. Worrying about what tomorrow will bring only serves to trouble
our minds and hearts, making us fearful of what is to come. It can be a
struggle to let go of all that fear and learn to live in the present
moment. Meg wrote “Hold On Tight” as a reaction to a beautiful moment of
clarity that she was able to experience with her mother, a moment when
the “window had opened” just long enough so that she could receive her
mother’s fullest expression of love. I’m honored to sing “Hold On Tight”
for this special showcase of Meg’s songwriting and to share its
inspiring message with all of you.
Deborah Stone
Deborah Stone
I love Meg as a person and a talented and unique
singer/songwriter. Her passion and warmth always come through—in her
life and in her music. My first reaction to being invited to sing in
this show was feeling deeply honored and validated as a performer. To
have Meg really see me means a great deal. As for the song, Meg actually
“assigned” our songs to us. I trusted her to know who should take on
which of her songs, and did so with joy and enthusiasm. Sue Matsuki and I
have become close friends, much to my delight, so doing a song together
is the proverbial icing on the cake. I’m very happy about this whole
experience.
Those Girls. (Back) Eve Eaton (L), Wendy Russell (Front) Karen Mack (L), Rachel Hanser
Those Girls
Those Girls were absolutely tickled to be asked by Meg Flather to be a part of her Sisterhood
show! We all love and respect Meg so much, and are grateful for the
support she has shown each of us as individuals, as well as our group.
The sisterhood among the women in the cabaret community is strong and we
feel extremely lucky to be a part of it. Having Meg invite women to
come and perform her songs is a fantastic idea, and is sure to make that
bond we all feel even stronger. Meg has asked us to sing “Like Me,” a
quirky song with a message about social media and the need to feel
accepted and liked. Rachel heard Meg sing it and told her after the show
that this would be a fun one for Those Girls to sing…and now we get the
chance! We’ll be performing it in the September show, and the fabulous
Amorika Amoroso will do it in July!
Lisa Viggiano
Lisa Viggiano
So this is the thing about Meg Flather: no matter who you are, and no
matter how many flaws you think that you may have, Meg can immediately
see your very best qualities. Next, she will eloquently let you know
exactly what those qualities are, and she will shine the most brilliant
light upon them as if to say “I believe in you!” Meg has a way with
words that is infused with her beautiful mind, her beautiful heart, and
her beautiful spirit. To further her exquisite way with words, Meg has a
way with a melody. Lucky for us, she uses her elegant gift of words,
melodies, and wholeheartedness to create these incredible, relatable
songs about truth and life. As you may imagine, I am thrilled and
honored to be a part of Meg Flather Songs, A Cabaret Sisterhood
on so many levels. The community that Meg’s heart can create is beyond
measure, so I cannot wait to join in the warmth of celebrating her songs
through the talents of these women. In addition, I have the supreme
pleasure of singing the very first Flather song that I heard on YouTube a
couple of years ago, I”It’s About Time,” with one of my cabaret
sisters, Heather Villaescusa! The lyric resonates with the both of us
and it is a sheer delight to finally sing together! Finally, I am
overjoyed to witness my cabaret sister, singer/songwriter Meg Flather delight in her songs from the new perspective of having all of us “cover” her tunes. It’s About Time!!
Heather Villaescusa
Photo: Greg Mills
Heather Villaescusa
I am so thrilled to be a part of this show. Meg is such an intricate
part of the cabaret world and the heartbeat of what I find I love about
cabaret. She is a constant supporter and to be a part of this show
giving her songs a voice that is other than her own is truly a
remarkable gift she has given us. Meg has called it “A Cabaret
Sisterhood.” The cabaret community is filled with incredibly talented
women from all walks of life, and I think it’s important that we embrace
and support each other. By Meg pulling this together, embracing us,
leads to a stronger sisterhood and support of each of our crafts. When
she asked if I wanted to participate, it was an easy, “Yes.” And when
she told me that it was a duet with Lisa Viggiano, it was a booming,
“YES!” And when she told us the song she picked for us to share, I
thought, “Of course that’s the one she chose for us.” Meg has an innate
ability to see you for who you really are.
Lisa Yaeger
Lisa Yaeger
I like to say that I hit the jackpot when I met Meg Flather. She’s a
true champion to our cabaret community with her passion, honestly, and
amazing talent. I am honored to be a part of this incredible group of
soul sisters she has put together. I will be sharing the song “Cause I
Do” with Kathy Kaefer. Meg wrote this piece for the parents in her life
as a modern day lullaby. As a mother, I am humbled by her beautiful
lyrics and thrilled to be able to share her song. Thank you, Meg
Flather, for your gifts of song and friendship.
Deborah Zecher
Deborah Zecher
I am thrilled to be part of this show for so many reasons. It means a
great deal to be invited to sing one of Meg’s beautiful songs and to do
so in company with singers I admire for their artistry and treasure for
their friendship. I feel that Meg’s songs speak to our experiences as
women but even more so, to our common humanity. Her gift is to give
expression to the commonplace things we do and feel, and then raise
those things to the extraordinary by the way she crafts words and melody
together. I think that hearing Meg’s songbook in so many different
voices will be amazing. I’ll be singing “He Shares Me with a Lot” which I
also sang in my debut show a year ago. When I heard the song for the
first time, I was instantly drawn to it because it spoke to me of how as
a congregational rabbi for 32 years, my family—my husband and my
children—had to share me with the demands of a growing and active
synagogue. Meg addressed that reality so beautifully in the song. Since
my circumstances were unique, she gave me permission to write several
new verses that were specific to my life, which my phenomenal music
director Tracy Stark masterfully crafted. For this show, I am honored to
sing all of the original verses.
A Cabaret Sisterhood
July 14 at 4:00 pm
Don’t Tell Mama
343 W. 46th St., NYC
212.757.0788
www.donttellmamanyc.com