Singer Amber Gray is performing on April 28 and 29 at The Cabaret, an organization dedicated to the art of cabaret, using world-class performance to entertain, educated and engage audiences.
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Theater-lovers in central Indiana don’t have to travel to New York City to get Broadway-quality entertainment.
In the coming months, they’ll be able to see revered musical theater performers such as Amber Gray, Chita Rivera and and Claybourne Elder. People can come see the next generation of great artists now enrolled at Ball State University’s musical theater department.
Audiences can honor one of Indianapolis’ musical legends during a jazz concert dedicated to Wes Montgomery.
These, and much more, are part of the winter and spring slate of performances announced at The Cabaret — a nonprofit organization dedicated to the art of cabaret, using world-class performance to entertain, educated and engage audiences.
“It’s going to be really upper-level performances, the top of the top of their game. That is what makes it so special, to see that astounding talent up close,” said Shannon Forsell, The Cabaret’s artistic director, and CEO. “You can’t really describe it unless you experience, but it’s really special.”
To prepare people for the upcoming season, Forsell shared the magic of The Cabaret and what to expect from the upcoming slate of shows.
What makes The Cabaret so unique?
“It’s really a whole experience, not just seeing a show. That’s what we learned during COVID. The whole night, the whole gathering together is what makes the night special. It’s this really stunning, gorgeous space with tables and chairs. It’s not a theater lineup; it’s meant to be a place you’re really engaging with the people you came with. I call it a cross between theater and a nightclub.”
Was there a focus you had for this winter/spring slate?
“We try to do a variety of performances that are going to serve a lot of different folks. Our Broadway series is our signature series — it always sells out, it’s amazing. It’s kind of like having a Broadway star in your living room. They’re telling their story, sharing behind-the-scenes stories; you feel feel like you’re getting to know them before the night is done.
“Then we also present the best of the best of jazz artists too. What we really want everyone to experience when they’re here is to be kind of awe-struck. We just don’t get to see this kind of talent up close in our lives. To see something truly amazing is really special.”
Why did you want to put together a tribute to Wes Montgomery?
“That’s part of our artist-in-residence program. Lasana Kazembe is our artist-in-residence … he does a really unique combination of spoken-word work mixed with jazz. This is his concept. This is a centennial year for our own Wes Montgomery, so (Kazembe) is putting together a show with just a killer lineup of local artists.”
What do you hope people who come out to these shows take away from it?
“Each show there is something different to take away from. Some shows, we need in our lives to take us away things; it’s a complicated world out there. Sometimes, even just to step away from life and be in a joyous experience is what we need. Then there are other times when some folks share a story that may have a social context to it. But at the end of the night, the key component of cabaret, that’s different from other art forms, is that it’s about connecting people.
“At the end of the night, it’s about being more connected to life.”
