Cabaret | Storyteller
Like Halley’s comet sailing across the deep dark sky, a wonder to behold, Ann Talman sails across the stage and into our hearts in “Ann Talman: Elizabeth Taylor and The Shadow of Her Smile.”
This is a tour de force of storytelling interweaved with music and anecdotes about Ms. Talman and Ms. Taylor, and family and friends both famous and not-so-famous. Ms. Taylor was one of the most known stars on our planet, she was above us, and she was a shining light. We feel like we know her, so watching Ms. Talman telling of Ms. Taylor has the feel of home movies, and to find out that our beautiful star was also an unabashed prankster, an incredibly loyal and loving friend, gives us an even greater love for her.
– from The Front Row Center
The show began its development in the fall of 2018 and would be developed under the guidance of Lina Koutrakos and Musical director, Alex Rybeck. What a great combo! Together they are magic. The performance is graceful and elegant.
The narrative follows Talman's friendship with Elizabeth Taylor. They worked together in The Little Foxes on Broadway, where Talman played Taylor's daughter. From here, their friendship blossomed and developed into a tight bond that still lives on. The Shadow of Her Smile is a beautiful homage to Taylor while also being an enchanting storytelling performance of Talman's life.
The Shadow of Her Smile is a show of a beautiful story with songs about Ann Talman's and Elizabeth Taylor's close-knit bond, but it is so much more! Ann Talman is a charming storyteller that entices her audience with her illuminating smile and talent. She is a true master of her craft.
– from All About SOLO
Ann Talman shines and sparkles like an Elizabeth Taylor Diamond. The Shadow of Her Smile explores Ann’s close relationship with Taylor by beautifully weaving together songs and stories. The act is pure perfection.
– Richard Ridge, BroadwayWorld
Ann Talman graced our stage this past December and the audience loved her voice and stories about Elizabeth Taylor. Highly recommend her and Alex Rybeck to other theaters!
– Kevin Barrett, Artistic Director The Delray Beach Playhouse
Ann Talman provides us with a personal front row seat into the life of the iconic Elizabeth Taylor seamlessly interweaving stories and music from her unique perspective with warmth, admiration, and affection while occasionally embodying Elizabeth’s very essence.
– James Semmelman
Watercolors of Ann by Anne Watkins.
The audience was held in thrall by Ms. Talman’s intimate and loving story and tender musical performance.
– Joe Brancato, AD Penguin Rep Theatre
www.penguinrep.org
I had a wonderful time watching this catchy, revealing and tuneful tribute to a time well spent with one of the screen's most revered icons. I could see Elizabeth Taylor and the Shadow of Her Smile again and again. It's a unique and delightful experience!
– Rex Reed
I found it FASCINATING and so well presented!!!
– Anita Gillette
I had the great pleasure of seeing Annie’s beautiful, poignant, and funny show. She nailed the gleaming and mercurial light that was… my stepmother! I laughed and cried in equal measures.
– Kate Burton
Ann Talman will be a guest on Everything Old Is New Again Radio Show on Sunday, April 21st at 10PM(ET) on WBAI 99.5 FM New York & wbai.org & & Wednesday, 24th, 2024 at 9PM(ET) on The Penthouse at thepenthouse.fm. More info at www.oldisnew.org.
This episode is about Mike Renzi was Musical Director, Arranger & Accompanist to some of the biggest names in show business. These talented & lucky ladies spent a day with Mike and would record with him. These would be Mike's last studio recordings. Mike Renzi died on September 29, 2021. The show will be an appreciation of his musical contribution. In addition to hearing Mike with Tony Bennett & Lena Horne & Maureen McGovern & Mel Torme and dozens of others, you will also hear Mike’s final recordings from the Recording Studio Workshop tapings. Provided to the show by the workshop’s creator Lina Koutrakos with performances by: Margaret Curry, Diane D'Angelo, Mary Sue Daniels, Patrice McKinley, Ann Talman & Lina Koutrakos.
Next Show:
WESTPORT PLAYHOUSE
IN THE
LUCILLE LORTEL WHITE BARN
25 POWERS COURT
WESTPORT, CONNECTICUT 06880
APRIL 21ST, 2024 @ 7PM
Recent Shows:
THE LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATRE
407 WEST 42ND STREET
NEW YORK, NY 10036
DELRAY BEACH PLAYHOUSE
950 NW 9TH STREET
DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA 33444
URBAN STAGES
259 W 30TH ST
NEW YORK, NY 10001
THE CORNER
1701 14TH STREET, NW
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
PENGUIN REP THEATRE
7 CRICKETTOWN ROAD
STONY POINT, NY
Upcoming Shows:
2024:
The Imaginary Theatre Tuscon AZ
May 2024
The Pump House Gallery La Salle WI
UVA's The Colonnade Club details TBA
The Shadow of Her Smile Named as a Top 10 Cabaret Show of 2023 by Times Square Chronicle
Ann is honored to be a small part of The American Songbook Association and Cabaret Scenes Magazine, which had a brilliant and beautiful 2023, with events that featured resplendent talent; education programs that reached thousands of differently abled, at risk or underserved public school students Pre-K- High School; seniors in memory care units and lovers of great American musical legacies (jazz, musical theatre and classic song) across the country. ASA’s programs are offered free of charge in all five boroughs of New York City and Chicago. Their next target is Los Angeles! They are working to make their music programs available in schools and senior centers in all 50 states.
Please help us keep the music playing by making an end-of-year, totally tax deductible donation to americansongbookassociation.org. Better yet, become a member for $65. You will receive a year's subscription to Cabaret Scenes Magazine, their weekly newsletter covering live music nationwide, and many other perks, as a benefit of membership. Thank you!
Videos:
Sizzle Reel
Performing at The Pangea Jazz Brunch Open Mic
Performing at Jim Caruso’s Cast Party
Sunday Sessions Interview with Ann Talman and Carolyn Montgomery
Ann Talman on The Jim Masters Show
Ann Talman on the Seinfeld Podcast (March 2, 2023)
