Amanda Abel has long been a presence on the cabaret scene of both coasts. She hails from New York, but makes California her home, since, unlike Berlin, she does NOT dream of a "White Christmas!"
In LA, her name has lit the marquees of The Cinegrill, The Gardenia, Spazio's, Sterling's, The Carpenter Center for the Performing Arts and more. Palm Springs residents will be familiar with her many roles in the "Musical Chairs" concert series at The Annenberg Theatre, as well as solo cabaret performances.
As an actress, she appeared in Saddleback Civic Light Opera's production of "Gypsy," and portrayed Judy Garland in both "Judy's Scary Little Christmas" and "Judy at the Stonewall Inn."
Amanda is proud to be the granddaughter of the legendary Eddie Cantor, and always hopes somehow he's listening...
Recent reviews:
"Amanda comes out swinging high throughout this 17 song well-informed story set. She remains right on top of things to the very last note...Amanda is a vocal delight. Another Singer's Singer to seek out in upcoming cabaret appeareances." - Dan Singer, In Tune International Magazine
"Last weekend, Amanda Abel brought her pastiche of Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli and Barbra Streisand to 'Heaven' in Palm Springs...she excelled with her Garland segment with a rip-roaring salute to San Francisco..." - Jeff Britton, The Desert Sun
"Who is Amanda Abel? Granddaughter of the legendary Eddie Cantor? Yes, but she's much more than that. She's wowing LA audiences with her talent and beauty. Amanda is one of the stars to watch in 2006. You cannot take your eyes off her. She's an uncanny impersonator of everyone, and oh, what a voice!' - Tommy Garrett, Canyon News
"A packed audience at Peter's enjoyed Amanda Abel so much this past weekend...they had to set up tables in the East 40 just to accomodate everyone." - Barbara Wisbey, The Bottom Line
"With an emphasis on the feisty and fun..this plucky lady plucks some from the musical theater/musical film catalogue...like many before her who know how to "sell" a number and its comic moments...she belts fearlessly. Interestingly, in additon to cabaret work and other credits, Amanda has worked doing impressions of famous female singers and from the impressive sound and video clips on her website, it seems the discipline is good for her. It's also noteworthy that the singer is the granddaughter of the legendary Eddie Cantor and the sister of songwriter-singer Brian Gari. She struts her way through "Relax with Me Baby" from his Late Nite Comic. Mother Janet Gari is a songwriter as well...
Two songs about bad luck - or rather, no luck - in finding Mr Right let Amanda mine comic frustration. She's in fine form with these. She takes her leave of the stage with her exit cue cutie, "I'm Outta Here" by Ray Jessel and Cynthia Thompson."
- Rob Lester, www.TalkinBroadway.com
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