Laura Ainsworth
&
Michael Gott

Laura Ainsworth and Michael Gott have created a witty and romantic revue, “Cole Porter: Elegance and Decadence,” which debuted in July 2006 at the Stone Street Threatre in downtown Dallas before a sell-out crowd.  Critic Joseph Melnikoff of BroadwayWorld.com raved that Laura Ainsworth is both "a gifted comedienne" and "a fine singer with an outstanding range and genuine wit" that "delighted the audience," while Michael Gott is "dazzling," a "masterful" pianist and a "superior vocalist" whose "musical artistry added romance, wit and sophistication."  To sum up, he declared, "it truly was magnificent entertainment."

Featuring an array of the chic composer’s greatest standards and hilarious but little-known comedy songs; from the aching “Night and Day,” "Love For Sale," and “Every Time We Say Goodbye” to the outrageous wit of “The Physician” and “The Tale of the Oyster,” Ainsworth and Gott promise the perfect date show for adults of all ages.

Ainsworth, a slender, vivacious redhead, has made a name for herself in several fields.  As co-writer of her own syndicated radio service, The Comedy Wire, she provides witty one-liners and parody songs to top DJs worldwide.   She is also an accomplished singer/actress with countless plays and musicals to her credit.  Her musical lampoon of ageism and beauty obsession, “My Ship Has Sailed,” performed with pianist Brian Piper, has appeared in major theaters, clubs and corporate events and earned her a Dallas Comcast cable special. a national TV appearance and terrific reviews.  TotalTheater.com raved that she is “a fine lounge singer with comic flair, who delivers her songs in a beautiful, sultry voice.”

Gott’s sublime vocal and piano skills on the standards have prompted comparisons to many great performers such as Michael Feinstein, but his uniquely varied background in pop, musical theater, classical, jazz, opera and gospel resulted in a style all his own.  Gott recently celebrated his 10^th anniversary as the reigning song stylist of the posh Mansion Bar, but he has also played top cabaret showrooms outside Texas, recorded seven albums, shared stages with internationally-known celebrities, and composed the critically-acclaimed musicals “Split Ends” and “All Stressed Up With Nowhere To Go.”  His new album, "Michael Gott Live At The Mansion," was released in late Fall, 2006.

Ainsworth said, “When the owners of the new Stone Street Theater asked me to perform, I knew I had to create a show with Michael.  I’ve sung with him at his wonderful Mystic Note Cabaret shows in North Dallas and at the Mansion, and there’s just something special about our blend that I knew would be perfect for this gorgeous new venue.  I’m so happy he said yes!  We both love the music of Cole Porter, and we enjoy putting our own unique spin on it.” 

“Having grown up watching my dad (late Dallas saxophone legend Bill Ainsworth) accompany my idols, Ella Fitzgerald and Tony Bennett, at the Venetian Room, I can’t tell you how excited we are about bringing a little of that sophisticated sound back, both for older fans of this great music and for young people who have yet to discover it.”