Variety.com has reported the sad news that Bradshaw Smith, a cabaret performer who went on to produce the cable television shows "Cabaret Beat" and "Broadway Beat," which chronicled the happenings of the New York theater world, died Jan. 16 after a sudden stroke. He was 57.
Smith began as a cabaret artist. His shows included the long-running "Cole Porter Revue" at Don't Tell Mama, and he won both a 1987 MAC (Manhattan Assn. of Clubs and Cabarets) Award for male vocalist and a Backstage Bistro nod in 1985.
He soon stepped offstage, however, for work as a videographer and producer documenting the events of Gotham's legit biz: openings, concerts, benefits. He received the MAC Board of Directors Award for his new cable television show "Cabaret Beat" in 1990.
Smith and Richard Ridge went on to create the half-hour program "Broadway Beat," through which they documented New York theater professionals in performance and rehearsal for productions from Broadway to Off Off Broadway, at Gotham cabarets and at awards shows, among other events, over a period of more than two decades. These events are preserved online at the "Broadway Beat" Archive.
Born in Derby, Conn., Bradshaw first arrived in New York in the mid-'70s.
He is survived by his brother, Robert Smith.
Donations may be made to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
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