Going solo, Menino has center stage to himself at show

The forum, which brought together candidates for mayor and City Council, was set up so the hopefuls could make their pitches through the performing arts in a show dubbed “Spotlight on the Candidates,’’ held in Hyde Park.

But the political infighting that has already gripped the campaign between Mayor Thomas M. Menino and his challenger, Councilor at Large Michael F. Flaherty Jr., continued when Sam Yoon, the defeated candidate who Flaherty says is now part of his “ticket,’’ was barred from the event. As a result, Flaherty refused to participate with Menino.

On Tuesday, Flaherty, appearing with Yoon, announced that he would run on an informal ticket with Yoon as his “deputy mayor.’’

Flaherty and Yoon had planned to sing a song together at the talent show, which was hosted by Riverside Theatre Works.

The controversy began when event organizer Jay Paget told Flaherty that Yoon could not perform with him, because only candidates running for office were allowed to participate.

Flaherty “was invited; he just decided not to show up,’’ Paget told the crowd of about 75 people.

The councilor performed in the talent show in 2005 and 2007, said Natasha Perez, a spokeswoman for Flaherty. He decided not to show up last night for “unity’s sake,’’ she said. Flaherty accused Menino of politics as usual through a statement to the Globe. “You know the city’s in trouble when you can’t throw a variety show without someone ending up on Mayor Menino’s naughty list,’’ he said.

Julie Beckam, the theater’s program director, said she was disappointed Flaherty did not come. “I wish he could have just sat in the audience,’’ she said of Yoon. “It killed me to say no.’’

Yoon was unavailable for comment last night.

Menino immediately addressed Flaherty’s absence when he took the stage.

“I had nothing to do with Michael Flaherty not being here,’’ he said before expressing his love for Boston and his job as mayor with some creativity and self-deprecation.

“Two against one / that doesn’t seem fair / we all know I am a better mayor,’’ he recited in verse. “I love our city and so do you / I offer my thanks for all you do.’’

As he walked into the theater, Menino said he wanted to avoid the blame for Flaherty’s absence. “I’m here for a fabulous night.’’

A number of city councilors also attended, performing poetry, stand-up comedy, dancing, and singing. Music was provided by the The Hanging Chads.

Comedian Jessica Casciano emceed the event, cohosted by the Boston Globe’s Joanna Weiss and the Boston Herald’s Lauren Beckham Falcone.