It was wonderful to wake up this morning and see our upcoming Melrose Foundation event with legendary cabaret singer Marilyn Maye featured prominently in The Orlando Sentinel!
We are so honored to bring Ms. Marilyn Maye back to Orlando; it has been far too long since she regularly brought her sensational act to Disney’s Contemporary Resort in the 1970’s. It’s difficult to imagine another performer with as much vibrance and charm as Marilyn, who just happens to have recently celebrated her 88th birthday! Being a long time cabaret enthusiast and a part time New Yorker, I have had the pleasure of attending numerous appearances by Marilyn in Manhattan and, over the course of time, have come to humbly consider myself a friend.
Believe me when I say that her performance is not to be missed.
As with any cabaret singer worth her salt, she has artfully perfected her craft—that fact stands without question. Thankfully, it does not stop there. Marilyn’s true artistry lies in her love for what she does and a deep devotion to her audience; it resonates from every word she says and every note she sings. Her talent for connecting with a listener, on a very personal and intimate level, is truly a dying art in today’s music world.
We are so thankful that The Melrose Foundation affords us the opportunity to explore many of our passions—I personally have always had a passion for the arts. Since we started The Melrose Foundation, our philanthropic efforts have already benefitted numerous associations and causes, including The American Lung Association (in honor of my Mother), The American Parkinson Disease Association (in honor of my Father), The Evans Community School, The American Lung Association, The Benedictine Sisters of St. Walburg Monastery, The American Cancer Society, and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The opportunity to support The Orlando Shakespeare Theater was the perfect chance to not only give back to a wonderful organization, but was a great venue for Marilyn Maye to once again demonstrate why she’s affectionately and accurately known as the “Grande Lady of Cabaret.”
Welcome back, Marilyn, Orlando has missed you.
Jack
Purchase tickets to Marilyn Maye’s performance at The Orlando Shakespeare Theater here.
Purchase tickets for Marilyn Maye’s Master Class at The Winter Park Playhouse here.