Bio

RICKY RITZEL has been a fixture on the nightclub and cabaret scene in NYC for over 25 years and has received most Cabaret awards including 13 Manhattan Association of Clubs Awards in 8 different catagories .He has performed all over the United States as well as London and Paris. An accomplished solo performer, Ricky has also accompanied such greats as Vivian Blaine, Ruth Warrick, Arthur Prysock, Varla Jean Merman, Julie Wilson, Lenora Nemetz and Miss Coco. Ricky was featured musician/sidekick on Sandra Bernhard's Radio Show on SIRIUS Satellite network and was musical director for the Sally Rand Tribute at Town Hall featuring Bebe Neuwirth, Donna McKechnie, Marge Champion, Karen Mason and directed by Tony Stevens. With famed Chicago jazz vocalist Spider Saloff, Ricky created several award winning revues such as "1938", which was recorded on the Kopathetics label, "Porgy & Bess: a Cabaret Concert" and "Ira and Others".His performance as Jimmy Durante in "Schnozzola!" earned him critical raves and numerous awards. Ricky is half of the kooky "Lounge does Top 40" duo, THE LOUNGEOLEERS with 5 CD's on the Emenar label. As an actor his roles include Snug in ' A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, Third Priest in 'MURDER IN THE CATHEDRAL', Dr. Rance in 'WHAT THE BUTLER SAW', Jonathan in 'OH DAD POOR DAD...' and various roles in 'HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN FILM' He can also be seen as SCARY MAN who comes on to Christian Campbell in the film"TRICK". Ricky recently was seen in Las Vegas as Jimmy Durante in"Stop the Music!' at the Cashman Theatre with Sharon McNight as Sophie Tucker and with Leslie Anderson at the legendary Monkey Bar on East 54th. Currently, Ricky is continuing his 4 years and counting collaboration with Leslie Anderson exploring all the works of Johnny Mercer in their different monthly show at the Metropolitan Room, 'JOHNNY MERCER A-Z' and his own weekly show 'JUST RICKY' at the Reprise Room at Dillon's on West 54th St.Ricky is proud to be the current President of the Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs, elected in 2006.