Top 5 “Performing Art” Events in November

1. Young Frankenstein

Opens November 30 at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center
One of our all-time favorite movies that we’ve heard will become a favorite show! Part of the Fairwinds Broadway Across America series, we’re sure Frankenstein’s creation won’t be the only one in stitches!

Produced by the incomparable Mel Brooks, follow Dr. Frankenstein (that’s Fronkensteen!) as he tries to complete his grandfather’s legendary work. “It’s alive!”

2. Celtic Thunder

November 26 at the King Performing Arts Center in Melbourne
We love the kilted cloggers! Okay, so they probably won’t wear kilts, and actually, this group is not even cloggers or dancers, but the music these five guys produce is soul-inpsiring!

And this is your chance to get into the holiday season while Celtic Thunder is on their Christmas tour.

3. She Stoops to Conquer

November 19 – December 19 at Mad Cow Theatre
Advertised as a “frothy romp,” we’re intrigued by a comedy that has been a hit for nearly two centuries!  Mistaken identities, elegant costumes, town vs. city folk?  Sounds fun!

4. Grease

November 12 – November 20 at  Annie Russell Theatre
A fun musical for all ages, bring back the poodle skirts, bad boys, and jumping jiving music!

And who among us doesn’t want to sing along (quietly please!) to “Summer Nights!” or “Look at me, I’m Sandra Dee…” We’re in!

5. Christmas Carol

November 26 – December 21 at Theatre Downtown
What better way to get in the Christmas spirit than to see Scrooge relearning the whole message of the season!

And, starting 30 minutes prior to each show, you can catch some seasonal caroling…what a nice touch!

Books with Benefits

If you love perusing books, like me, then you will probably agree that any bookstore is a wonderful place to spend a lazy afternoon. Enter Borders Book Store and I just might find myself in heaven… and now my shopping at Borders can help support a local arts organization: Mad Cow Theatre!

August 23 and 24, use the special code MDCW8234TH (or this printable voucher here) and a percentage of your sales will go to benefit Mad Cow Theatre.

Books with benefits…kind of cool, huh?

And, if you haven’t yet seen Mad Cow’s MacBeth, you better hurry because the show closes August 29 to make way for Company opening September 10.

Apparently I Do Like the Cabaret!

I had a lovely evening Saturday night thanks to KT Sullivan and Jon Weber. We were perfect strangers when the night began, actually, but somehow through the evening, I grew to know them both as if old friends. I’ve been told that happens, though. At a cabaret show.

When I first heard about the 8th Annual Orlando Cabaret, hosted by Mad Cow Theatre, I was not exactly excited. Cabaret was not really my style…or at least I didn’t think so. (But, to tell you the truth, I wasn’t exactly sure just what cabaret was!)  So, with hubby and good friends on hand, we dined like royalty before heading downtown to Magnolia Street, right near the scene of Brian Feldman’s 67 Books.

Jon Weber and Top 5 editor Bess Auer.

Mad Cow Theatre has more of a Chicago feel to me, tucked away in a classic, old building.  The size of the room which KT Sullivan was playing felt intimate and comfortable. We had great seats and when Jon Weber came out first to play, my interest was peaked.  For those of you unfamiliar with his name, Jon has been called the “Greatest Living Jazz Pianist.” Well, let’s just say he was impressive and effortless.

Then KT Sullivan made her entrance…better than Dolly Madison as she strolled in with her evening gown and high heels.  And then she began to sing with her smokey voice. Some songs I knew, others I’d never heard. But each was thoroughly entertaining, as was her banter in between, giving history about each song and tune.  She focused on Howard Dietz songs…a guy I’d never heard of, but before the end of the show, I’d come to recognize his comic genius with lyrics. With lyrics like “I go to bed at 10 but I don’t get home until 4 am” how can the guy not be likable?

While all the songs were enjoyable, KT shone brightest with the slower songs, like “Dancing in the Dark.” The show lasted just over an hour, which was the perfect length, and then both KT and Jon greeted showgoers in the lobby. There, both KT and Jon treated me like an old acquaintance, which of course, I felt like after the hour we spent together. I’ve heard that happens, you know. At a cabaret show.

The Orlando Cabaret will be playing over the next three weeks, featuring a variety of acts including the Broadway Boys. There are evening shows as well as lunchtime shows, where you can even purchase a box lunch or bring your own. Whether you think you like cabaret style music or not, just go. I promise you’ll be glad you did.