Cabaret Series Part I Chanticleer

What can you expect at a cabaret? Simply, it can be a variety of
performances in a restaurant like setting. How does this work at our
local Chanticleer Theater? Extremely well, as shown last weekend.
As usual, the Chanticleer staff excelled with this challenge. With the
ambience of a small restaurant with small tables for just two, six
multi-talented young performers, graciously entertained the audience at
this fund raising event last Friday and Saturday night being called
"Broadway at Chanticleer, the Next Generation".
Chris Ebke, Rachel Holmes, Ariel Ibsen, John Jones, Sarah Query, with
accompanist, Machellle Mitchell wonderfully performed from many
contemporary Broadway musicals such as Tick...tick...Boom!, Ragtime,
Once on this Island, Company, Songs for a New World, Avenue Q, Crazy Just Like
Me, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Jeckyll & Hyde, Chess, The Last Five
Years, and Children of Eden.
There were definitely some magical musical moments with these
performers strutting their stuff and showing the audience their talent.
Outstanding were Sarah Query especially singing "Little Things You Do
Together" which strongly reminded this reviewer of the legendary Elaine
Stritch in the original Broadway show. Both John Jones and Chris
Ebke were wonderful in their solo spots where the songs they were
singing perfectly matched their vocal talents allowing their falsettos to
ring out throughout the theater. Ariel Ibsen was delightful as the
character singer/ actress in her selections. Rachel Holmes allowed the
audience to be enthralled with her beautiful voice and perfectly hit those
anticipated high notes. Together this quintet perfectly harmonized in
the ending number "In Whatever Time We Have" from the musical
Children of Eden. Machelle Mitchell excelled as the accompanist being the
perfect musical foundation for all the performers. Every element of this show
was perfect including the lighting and the sound system.
This delightful cabaret evening of entertainment with light refreshments
was definitely a hit with the audience.
This Cabaret Series: Part II with the experienced, seasoned performers
from previous Chanticleer plays will continue on January 11th and 12th as a
fundraiser with a $20 donation that will include complimentary
refreshments. Seasoned ticket holders will receive a $5 discount.
This was a delightful evening of musical theater. This will be a show
for everyone who has ever enjoyed any song from any musical with a
delightful cast for the perfect cabaret experience.