Posted on May 22, 2009 at 12:03 am

Adam Hetrick’s article here.

PS Classics to Release Pazakis’ “Unzipped: Live at the Zipper”
By Adam Hetrick
21 May 2009

“Unzipped: Live at the Zipper,” the live debut recording from downtown belter Kate Pazakis, will be released by PS Classics on July 7.

Known for her rangy belt, Pazakis (Jerry Springer the Opera) recorded the live album during her engagement at the now-closed Zipper Factory in December 2008. Brian J. Nash (Silence: The Musical) is musical director for the album, which is executive produced by Jen Namoff and Danny Gordon.

Prior to the July in-store arrival, iTunes will begin selling “Unzipped: Live at the Zipper” digitally on June 2.

In addition to “Hand in My Pocket,” “Stay With Me” and “So Far Away,” Pazakis’ album features several arrangements and a new song from Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last Five Years). The songwriter’s “Clarissa’s Last Stand” was penned with Pazakis in mind.

Brown will join Pazakis as a special guest for the album release party at Le Poisson Rouge. Pazakis will perform as part of the 8 PM evening that will feature musicians Brian J. Nash, MaryAnn McSweeney, Ray Marchica, Dan Davin, as well as backup singers Victoria Huston-Elem and Eric Michael Krop.

Kate Pazakis has been seen Off-Broadway in A Broadway Diva Christmas, Newsical and The Sexless Years. She was also part of the Actors Fund’s benefit performance of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and the Carnegie Hall staging of Jerry Springer the Opera. In addition to hosting the weekly “Mostly Sondheim” evenings at the Duplex, Pazakis is a regular performer on The Rosie O’Donnell Family Cruise.

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Founded in 2000 by Tommy Krasker & Philip Chaffin, PS Classics is a four-time Grammy nominee for its cast recordings of Nine: The Musical, Assassins, Grey Gardens and Company. PS Classics is distributed exclusively by Image Entertainment. Visit www.psclassics.com for more information.