Director and music mastermind Meghan Eldred-Woolsey has put together an interesting variety of songs — some from musical theatre such as Mame, Frozen, Elf the Musical, The Fantasticks, The Sound of Music and White Christmas — and about half new to me— but all celebrating the holidays and winter. Karyn Perry’s dancers demonstrated a very wide variety of dance styles from disco to tap, to modern/dramatic, to Rockette style, with a fun variety of costumes, too.
Among many highlights were Travis Williams’ spirited turn as Olaf the Snowman dreaming of “In Summer.” Robert Mueller brought an extra dose of energy to all his songs, including “Try to Remember” (it does mention “December” so it’s fair game!) Songs ranged from the humorous “Nobody Cares about Santa” by all the men, and Adam Woolsey’s fun “I’m Spending Hanukkah in Santa Monica” to Tricia Rogers mournful “Christmas Makes me Cry” and Katheryn Mulcahy’s heartfelt, powerful “Christmas Lullaby” by Jason Robert Brown. Favorites like Silver Bells and Auld Lang Syne are also on the bill.
The entire ensemble is packed with talent and features many “stars” you’ve seen before on the Riverwalk stage: Erin Biel, Larissa Gleason-Clark, Aja Jenks, Kelley Lofton, Robert Mueller, Kathryn Mulcahy, Bob Purosky, Tricia Rogers, Travis Williams, and Adam Woolsey. Choreographer Karyn Perry’s talented dancers were Sarah Albrecht, Olivia Carpenter, Grace Chapman, Kendall Craddock, Savannah Himebaugh, Audrey Huhn, Kennedy Kirsch, Natali Mann, Frankie Nevin, Kyra Pohl and Laney Soupal.
The Cabaret is about an hour and a half (with intermission). ONLY TWO MORE CHANCES to see this charming show - 7pm Saturday and 3pm Sunday. $15 for all ages; general seating; tickets available at the door and at http://www.riverwalktheatre.com
Arrive early for best parking and to explore the lobby art gallery. You may also bring items for the lobby box collecting items for Holy Cross Services to the homeless: travel size toiletry products, period products, diapers etc... and new, packaged socks and underwear — as well as gently used outerwear, such as coats, hats, scarves and mittens.