Mitchell Kaplan

Mitchell Kaplan is an American musician, music director, songwriter, arranger and producer.[1][2] He is best known as the Music Director for Sandra Bernhard and for alternative comedy company Un-cabaret.[3][4][5] He has been featured as musical director in performances with Ana Gasteyer and Cady Huffman.

Mitchell Kaplan
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Music director
  • musician
  • composer
  • arranger
  • producer
Instrument(s)Keyboards

Career

Kaplan began his career as a pianist and songwriter, writing songs for artists including Chaka Khan, Thelma Houston, Sister Sledge and Martika.[6]

Kaplan has been the musical director for Sandra Bernhard since 1985.[7][8]

He collaborated with Sofia Shinas on her self-titled 1992 Warner Bros album release as composer, mixer, and producer.[9] He produced and co-wrote One Last Kiss.[10]

Kaplan appeared in TV shows including Will & Grace, Roseanne, and The Tonight Show.

Work with Sandra Bernhard

During the '80's "ball era", Kaplan met Sandra Bernhard. At the Beverly Theater in 1986 Kaplan accompanied Bernhard on keyboard and synthesizer on seven songs.

He collaborated with Bernhard on her Excuses for Bad Behavior, Pt. 1, her one-woman show "I'm Still Here...Damn It!"[11] which was released as a live recording, as announcer, composer, keyboards, producer, and her Without You I'm Nothing.[6][12] He produced and co-wrote You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) for Excuses for Bad Behaviour Pt. 1.

Kaplan was the musical director for The Sandra Bernhard Experience.[3]

Kaplan wrote Miracle of Lights with Sandra Bernhard.[13]

UnCabaret and work with Beth Lapides

Kaplan met Beth Lapides while Lapides was writing 100% Happy 88% of the Time.[5]

They began working together and added music to the show.  They were offered a room to play in downtown LA near First and Hope Streets. Kaplan suggested UnCabaret.  They added music and put on their first UnCabaret show together.[14]

Kaplan and Lapides celebrated the 25th Anniversary of UnCabaret on November 18, 2018, at the Theatre at Ace Hotel, under the auspices of CAP/UCLA.[5]

Uncabaret continued during the pandemic as a live-stream comedy show on zoom.[15]

References
  1. "Mitch Kaplan". www.tcm.com. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
  2. "Music for Autism | » Mitch Kaplan". Retrieved November 25, 2021.
  3. Oxman, Steven (August 24, 2001). "The Sandra Bernhard Experience". Variety. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
  4. "BERNHARD PROBES THE TYRANNY OF TRIVIALITY". Los Angeles Times. March 19, 1986. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
  5. "Beth Lapides Reveals How UnCabaret Managed to Reach Its 25th Birthday". LA Weekly. October 19, 2018. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
  6. "Mitch Kaplan". AllMusic. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
  7. Crook, John (August 25, 2001). "Sandra Bernhard wants to raise level of national discourse". The Brandon Sun.
  8. Bessman, Jim (February 16, 2002). "Songwriters & Publishers, Words & Music" (PDF). Billboard. p. 36.
  9. Sofia Shinas - Sofia Shinas | Credits | AllMusic, retrieved November 25, 2021
  10. Flick, Lary (March 13, 1993). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. p. 118.
  11. Verna, Paul (December 5, 1998). "Reviews & Previews, Artists & Music, Albums, Pop" (PDF). Billboard. p. 84.
  12. "Pose star Sandra Bernhard: 'I never tried to be revolutionary. That's just who I was'". The Guardian. August 17, 2021. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
  13. "Jazz news: Sandra Bernhard Releases "Miracles of Light"". All About Jazz. November 22, 2006. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
  14. Fessier, Bruce. "Mother of alt comedy brings UnCabaret stars to Palm Springs". The Desert Sun. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
  15. "UnCabaret Zoom Edition [LA] (Zoom Live-stream) – The Comedy Bureau". Retrieved November 25, 2021.
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