From Broadway to L.A. - Cabaret II

"Another Opening, Another Show" proved that another opening of another show can be a wonderful night with many experienced performers of many ages in Chanticleer's second From Broadway to L.A. - Come to the Cabaret last weekend. The theater resembled a nightclub including the stage. Between the audience seats were portable tables for the horsoeuvres and wine complete with an electric candle. The accomplished performers each chose particular songs that would best show their individual talents at this fundraiser for the Chanticleer Theater. With twenty-one songs performed, there was something for everyone in the audience.
Naturally, everyone had their particular favorites with the individual numbers as well as the group acts. Unquestionably one of the highlights was from Phantom of the Opera with the duet of "All I Ask of You". Rachael Schnitcker beautifully sang the soprano part with Glenn Prettyman perfectly harmonizing and masterfully commanding this demanding song. Also, the audience thoroughly enjoyed the group songs from South Pacific with the women singing "I'm Gonna Wash that Man Right out of my Hair" and the men responding with "There is Nothing Like a Dame". From Annie Get Your Gun, Billy Elliot, Hello Dolly, Saturday in the Park with George, South Pacific, Bye Bye Birdie, Annie, The Flower Drum Song, The Phantom of the Opera, Guys and Dolls, Kiss Me Kate, Little Johnny Jones, Mame, 42nd Street, A Little Night Music, and Into the Woods, these favored songs were gloriously sung and performed from these well-known Chanticleer performers.
Tim Daugherty masterfully stayed in character as an audience of a cabaret while demonstrating his wonderful voice in singing "Agony"with Chris St. Clair. These two voices perfectly blended as they told the stories of their fairytale characters. Chris also showed his musical diversity by also playing the guitar. Terry Debenedictus proved to be an integral stage performer with her versatility in characters. Tony Debenedictus added his voice in the ensemble acts and shined in the role from Guys and Dolls in "Fugue for Tinhorns". Kathy Gray added harmonies to the group songs as well as performing a strong female part in "Bosum Buddies". Garret Higginbotham has a wonderful tenor voice while singing Electricity” from the musical Billy Elliot. Cheryl Langer proved her diversity by singing and perfectly accompanying the entire company. Cindy Mirfield demurely sang the haunting tune of "Send in the Clowns" with a beautiful voice. Glenn Prettyman has a phenomenal voice which added depth and strength to the ensemble songs as well as a masterful performer. Denise Putman quickly took command of the stage in both the opening number and "Hello Dolly" truly strutting as an experienced and masterful actress. Rachael Schnitker choreographed the show while also adding the strength and beauty of her voice to the sopranos. Dave Howard showed that he is a true performer with both singing and dancing. That man could certainly tap dance.
Jerry Gray demonstrated his talents by coordinating and organizing these entertainers.
This evening was a delightful night for the audience to see those seasoned performers of all ages "strut their stuff".