Lynda Carter transforms from superhero to singer
If you know Lynda Carter only as Wonder Woman, you don't know Lynda Carter.
Best known for playing the superhero on TV during the 1970s, Carter has been singing with bands since she was in high school. Now 56, the former girl singer has transformed herself into a cabaret chanteuse, who makes her Chicago debut Tuesday at the Apollo Theater.
"It's the venue I think that's right for me now," Carter said.
Although she moved music to the back burner to concentrate on acting, the former Miss World-USA kept singing on simmer, releasing a pop album in 1978, playing Las Vegas, and starring in several TV variety specials during the 1970s and '80s.
After a 20-year absence, she returned to the stage in 2005 to play Mama Morton in the London production of "Chicago." That inspired her to work up her own act, which features Carter accompanied by a six-piece band.
"I spent a few months weeding through music and working with my music director from 20 years ago, Johnny Harris," she says.
"I didn't want to have a theme or a catch phrase and be limited by that because my taste in music is extremely varied."
The set consists of standards like "As Time Goes By" and "Put the Blame on Mame" and may include numbers from her second album set for release this year.
"I think I'm able to take risks as a singer now," she said. "I'm a much better actress at the age I am now and a much better singer. Whether that's the result of self-confidence or relaxing and being willing to take risks, it's all of that."
Carter performs at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sept. 15 and at 7 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. Tickets range from $50 to $75 and are available at the box office, (773) 935-6100 or at www.ticketmaster.com.
Speaking of cabaret … Vocalist Sami Scott sings seasonal tunes, including standards like "Autumn Leaves" and "September Song" Wednesday at Maxim's as part of Chicago's Play on Cabaret series.
Scott and special guest Audrey Morris perform at 7 p.m. at Maxim's in the Nancy Goldberg International Center, 24 E. Goethe St., Chicago. Tickets cost $25 and are available at (312) 744-1423 or reservations@maximschicago.org.
• Gorilla Tango Theatre recently debuted its new Three Cat Thursdays cabaret series.
Assisted by singers Rob Dorn and Tina Gluschenko, composer Eric Lane Barnes showcases his new songs Thursday. Jeffrey Roscoe, Heather Moran, John Eskola and newcomer Jenny Bakakos perform Sept. 20. The series concludes Sept. 27 with a performance by actor/singer Dorn.
Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursdays at 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. Tickets cost $10. (773) 598-4559 or www.gorillatango.com.