My parents celebrated their 40th anniversary in style last night, visiting the Algonquin's Oak Room to catch the final night of Maude Maggart's run there. For those who don't already know her, Maggart, 32, is one of cabaret's rising stars, championed by folks as diverse as radio host Jonathan Schwartz and her own younger sister, Fiona Apple.
Unfortunately, I couldn't make it to the show myself, but I did meet up with my parents afterward in the Algonquin lobby for a drink, and they couldn't stop talking about how great Maggart was. (My Dad, himself a singer and aficionado of the American songbook, is not easily impressed.) Best of all, when Maggart came out for her encore, she chose Jule Styne's "Make Someone Happy," my parents' wedding song from 40 years ago.
Just then, I spotted Maude making her way to the elevator to freshen up before the late night set. I went over and introduced myself to her, telling her how thrilled my parents were that she performed their wedding song. Her eyes went wide, and she went straight over to them, greeting them warmly and chatting with them for a few minutes before posing for pictures. Totally genuine and sincere. With that kind of class, this girl's going places.