B'way Stars to Bring 'Best of Times' Cabaret to Sands Point Preserve

Enjoy a night of cabaret at Sands Point Preserve on April 18 for “Best of Times,” featuring notable Broadway stars Karen Mason and Lee Roy Reams.

This all-inclusive evening offers signature cocktails, served dinner and dessert with the performers.

The program is held at the original Guggenheim Estate, where membership helps protect the site’s historic buildings and grounds.

Talented performer Lee Roy Reams won critical acclaim as Roger DeBris on Broadway and the first national company of Mel Brooks’ “The Producers.” Leading roles include Billy Lawlor in “42nd Street” (Tony and Drama Desk nominations); Lumiere in Disney’s “Beauty and The Beast”; Albin/ZaZa in “La Cage Aux Folles”; Cornelius in “Hello Dolly!”; and Henry Spofford in “Lorelei”; Duane Fox in “Applause,” starring Lauren Bacall and Will Parker in Richard Rodgers’ revival of “Oklahoma!” Additional roles include Bob Fosse’s “Sweet Charity,” starring Gwen Verdon; and “An Evening with Jerry Herman.” On Broadway, he directed “Hello, Dolly!” (Tony Nomination/Best Revival) and “An Evening with Jerry Herman.” He has performed concerts and cabarets at the White House, Carnegie Hall and around the world, and on television on PBS and Bravo.

Karen Mason’s Broadway credits include Queen of Hearts in Frank Wildhorn’s “Wonderland!” and Velma von Tussle in “Hairspray.” She is scheduled to play the role of Mrs. Danvers in the upcoming Broadway show “Rebecca.” Mason originated the role of Tanya on Broadway in Abba’s “Mamma Mia!” and was awarded a 2002 Drama Desk nomination as best actress. Other leading roles include Norma Desmond in “Sunset Boulevard,” and Mazeppa in “Jerome Robbin’s Broadway.” She won the Outer Critics Circle Award for her performance in “And The World Goes Round.” A 10-time MAC Award winner, she won major female vocalist of the year for six consecutive years. She also won the 2006 Nightlife Award for major female vocalist and three Bistro Awards. She has played Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, 54 Below, Feinstein’s at The Regency, Rainbow & Stars, The Algonquin and others. She starred with major symphonic orchestras across the country. She has also performed on many soundtracks and CDs, including “When The Sun Comes Out” (2002 Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs MAC Award for major female recording of the year) and “Better Days” (featuring the Emmy-winning “Hold Me” by Brian Lasser).

Accompanist Christopher Denny has served as musical director, arranger and pianist for theater, cabaret and opera luminaries including Karen Mason, Brent Barrett, Julie Wilson, David Campbell, Lauren Bacall, Dorothy Loudon, Judy Kaye, Steven Brinberg and Rodney Gilfry. He’s earned two Back Stage Bistro Awards and four MAC Awards for Outstanding Musical Direction. He’s performed in virtually all of the major rooms in New York and the United States
This all-inclusive evening offers an open bar, serving up favorite cocktails and featured wines. Catered by Philip Stone, the seated dinner includes a Tuscan salad, beef and chicken duet and dessert.

Dinner begins at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. Coffee and dessert with the performers is served after the show.

Tickets for The Best of Times are $120 and may be purchased at www.TheSandsPointPreserve.com, by phone at (516) 571-7901, and at the Gate House, which is open daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 127 Middle Neck Road in Sands Point. The Preserve’s 2015 Annual Pass is now available, with benefits – including free admission to the park and to fitness and family programs, as well as special discounts to cultural arts events – beginning immediately.

Friends of the Sands Point Preserve is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to protect and preserve the 216-acre waterfront grounds and historic mansions and to provide a range of cultural arts events and educational programs for families and schools in the Phil Dejana Learning Center and Outdoor Classroom.