Cornucopia of Cabarets

Ensemble Theatre’s Pay It Forward: Legends of Broadway benefit event last weekend was a smashing success, a sold-out soirée of song which even had some special surprises, including an appearance by the Gay Men’s Chorus augmenting the half-dozen veterans of the New York stage, screen and TV as they all celebrated the music of 10 of Broadway’s most influential composers. Highlights included a clever mashup/medley of three Andrew Lloyd Webber love songs, and a seriously scintillating showstopper of Anthony Fedorov belting out “Heaven on Their Minds” from Jesus Christ Superstar. Youth singers were more than a charming part of the concert, as the proceeds go to ETC’s education programs. 

For another Broadway-based musical review with an even more local flavor – and many more youngsters – check out Lights Up! Theatre Company’s Summer Lights Cabaret on Monday, August 19, at Center Stage Theatre. The fun-filled fundraiser for the seven-year-old youth company features past and present Lights Up! actors taking to the stage to sing both solo and group performances with live accompaniment, plus improv skits, games, memorable moments from previous LU shows and a teaser of what’s coming up in the 2024-25 season. Happy hour with hors d’oeuvres out on the spacious terrace above the El Paseo complex kicks off the evening. Visit www.lightsupsb.com or https://centerstagetheater.org. 

Songs at sea come courtesy of the Condor Express in the next periodic Broadway Musical cruise set for early evening on August 17. Singers Deborah Bertling and Brian Hotchkin are joined by pianist/producer Renée Hamaty on deck for a cabaret-style performance of selections from West Side Story, Phantom of the Opera, My Fair Lady, Camelot and other musical classics. Complimentary appetizers and a no-host bar are included in the boarding pass for the 71-foot quad-jet-powered catamaran. Visit www.condorexpress.com/broadway-cruise. 

Finally, there’s Cabaret itself, PCPA’s big summer show, which brings the hit musical’sKit Kat Klub to Solvang, where the denizens of the decadent Weimar Republic-era nightspot perform the Kander & Ebb musical outdoors under the stars at the Festival Theatre through August 25. Visit www.pcpa.org.