JIM SPEAKE
Actor/ Singer/ Recording Artist
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Photo credit: Steve Bustamante
Jim Speake lives in Key West, Florida.
Before that, the Alabama native lived in NYC for 20 years where he performed in numerous Off Off Broadway and Cabaret Shows.
During that time he won an award for Best Recording for "Sweet Life" (The LaMott Friedman Award) from MAC, Manhattan Association of Cabarets And Clubs. He was nominated as Best Male Vocalist twice and also as Best Musical Comedy Performer by MAC.
CURRENT SHOWS
DEC 28-31 2022, 7PM KW ARMORY
FROM THE FRINGE THEATER KEY WEST
SHORT N' SKETCHY
Fringe at the Armory
SHORT N’ SKETCHY
Dec 28-31 2022, 7pm KW Armory
At the Key West Armory, 600 white Street, Key West, Fl 33040
New Play! Short skits. Wacky scenarios. Miscommunicated histories. Looking for something on the lighter side? Don’t miss this original evening of spoofs, situation, and slapstick comedy. ONE WEEK ONLY! Written & Directed by Carolyn Cooper & Mathias Maloff Cast: Scott Burau, Fritzie Estimond, Erin McKenna, Gann Monroe, Jim Speake, Donna Stabile, John Swann, Cassidy Timms, Susannah Wells, and Iain Wilcox. Two Special New Year's Eve Performances!
The Key West Armory has limited street parking on White and Southard. As such, we encourage you to walk, bike, or bus via the free Duval Loop! Our doors open half hour before show time. Please bring some cash to enjoy a tasty beverage at our (literal) Cash Bar. Please Note: Because of the unique layout of our space, late seating for our shows usually fall somewhere between difficult and impossible.
SONGS FROM JIM'S AWARD WINNING RECORDING,
"SWEET LIFE"
Musical Direction: Steven Ray Watkins
Artistic Direction: Lennie Watts
or stream on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube
About the recording, “Sweet Life”
From: John Hoglund, Cabaret Scenes Magazine
“It all comes from the heart. Based on that alone, this album ranks with some of the better to come along in a while……In terms of honesty and musical production, this is a well-crafted album.
TITLE SONG FROM
"SWEET LIFE" SLIDE SHOW
"JIM SPEAKE SINGS MY GENERATION" RECORDING
Songs from the 1960's and 1970's made popular by Neil Sedaka, Carly Simon, The Beatles and others.
Musical Direction: Steven Ray Watkins
Artistic Direction: Lennie Watts
or stream on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube
QUOTES ABOUT JIM
Jim Speake sings Cy Coleman, “I’m A Brass Band”
“His persona is kind of like Mister Rogers with an easy southern drawl….. his simple, honest delivery brought a lump to the throat….…..Jim Speake’s heart is clearly in the right place and we came to appreciate the songs in his more understated style. And that is the point of cabaret—bigger isn’t always better.”
Kevin Scott Hall of the Bistro Awards
“ When I saw Jim Speake’s cabaret show “I’m A Brass Band”, I had sort of a revelation. It realizes the three “C”s of the genre: connection to song, connection to self, connection to audience. Mr Speake is a natural for cabaret.” Stu Hamstra, Cabaret Hotline Online, 23 April 2007
"Jim Speake Sings 'Til the Cows Come Home"
“ If charm counts for a lot, the soft-spoken Alabama transplant wins extra points for aw-shucks amiable personality and entrenched Southern gentleman manner that bring a refreshing modesty.” Rob Lester - Cabaret Scenes
“Jim Speake invites you to join him for an hour of true bliss and entertainment... Entertain he does, in spades, in this gem of a show that will play games with your emotions - comic to serious.” Stu Hamstra - Cabaret Hotline
“...dapper and poised... optimistic and smooth...Jim Speake truly did sing “’til the cows came home”
...communicating his joy with every number…Joel Benjamin- TheaterScene.net
GALLERY
Show Posters and CD Covers
card design: Shane Breaux
card design: Shane Breaux
card design: Shane Breaux
card design: Shane Breaux
Cover design: Hector Coris
Design: Hector Coris
Card design: Richard Becker
Card design: Richard Becker
Card design: Richard Becker
Cover design: Richard Becker
Card design: Richard Becker
PHOTOS FROM SHOWS
Jim as Catfish- Opening Ceremonies 1996 Olympic Games
Jim as Catfish- Opening Ceremonies 1996 Olympic Games
Cherry Grove Show, Fire Island NY
Cherry Grove "Smiles, Laughter and Surprises
Ten Nights in A Bar Room, play NYC
Sydney Myer, special guest for "Jim Speake Sings Til the Cows Come Home"i
Lortel show.NYC
Jim as Governor in "Best Little Whore House in Texas", Pines, Fire Island, NY
Key West Pride Follies Key West Theater