CABARET VILLE MAGAZINE. P347

BOOKS: ENTERTAINMENT: DIVAS, CABARET, JAZZ THEN AND NOW                                                         Arlette Lagrange, Staff writer

Marlene VerPlanck on the cover of the book. Chosen because of her status in the world of entertainment and accomplishments in showbiz. De Lafayette said: "Marlene is the diva of all divas. Period!"

Do you want to become a star? A cabaret or a Jazz Diva? It takes lots of guts, style, talent and a mighty luck. Let Maximillien de Lafayette explain to you what it takes to become a successful singer and a mega star. He wrote the book on the subject. His recently published enormous book ENTERTAINMENT DIVAS CABARET JAZZ THEN AND NOW became an international best-seller on October 17, this year. What is so special about this book? I don't know where to begin! This book has everything you might think of. Origin of American music from the 17th century to the present; world's greatest female singers of all time; the hottest cabaret and jazz chanteuses in the business, CDs reviews; tips on how to become a real cabaret/jazz star; the style of a sophisticated diva; the best and worst female singers in the United States....and yes, lots of gossips. But it is very very very serious book. It teaches you the rope. You will learn a lot from this book.

Photo: Celia Slattery got a glowing review.

There is an amazing chapter on the dos and don'ts, how to present yourself on stage, your makeup, your wardrobe, your shoes, your repertoire, your music, how to position yourself on stage, against a baby grand or your pianist? How to hold and grab the microphone, what songs you should sing and what songs to ignore. And of course, the refreshing and notorious list of the 500 best singers in the business. The book is overwhelming. It is abundant with information, resources, names, biographies, personal histories, jokes, intimate revelations, interviews. My lord, it is an ocean and I am out of breath. Jesus, let me reach the shore before I hit the bottom of the ocean.