'An Eclectic Cabaret' Review

Bravo to Anita Boyer and the team behind Our Fabulous Variety Show. Who knew there were so many talented young people and new creative voices out here on the East End?

The performers put on a shortened version of their “An Eclectic Cabaret” act last Thursday at 230 Elm in Southampton as a preview for the two full-length performances slated to stage at Guild Hall in East Hampton on Thursday, June 20, and Friday, June 21. For the upcoming performances each night at Guild Hall, there will be performances by emcee Reverend Ricky Ray, Danny Ximo of the Raffa Show, the OFVS players—Ms. Boyer (who is a freelance contributor at the Press), Jessica Contino, Leanne Contino, Michael Contino, Rebecca Dwoskin, Colleen Edwards, Kasia Klimiuk, Hailey Kohlus, Julie Ann Korpi, Erin McKenna, Ana Maria Nieto, Mary Jane Seely, Emily Selyukova, Tom Pandolfo, Samantha Ruddock and Susan Wojcik—dancers from Arthur Murray Dance Studio, comedians Bryson Turner and Camille Giammarino, Smantha Slithers of the Fiery Sensations, Whip Master Rick Gold, Hamptons Weekend Preview Show’s Katherine C.H.E., Charly Notturno, Morgan Duke Vaughan and Lisa A. Dabrowski as Mae West.

On Thursday night, the troupe sang and danced to a dozen songs, and performed a short play by local playwright, Evo. The showcase was fun and entertaining, with a bit of something for everyone. What a great way to try out new material and gain experience in front of a live audience before a big show; I wholeheartedly applaud what OFVS is doing.

Just a few of the show’s many highlights on Thursday included: Ms. Vaughn singing Hoagy Carmichael’s “I Get Along Without You Very Well” (She’s got a beautiful voice! Is there anything this talented young woman can’t do well?); Ms. Boyer tap dancing (man, she can dance!) up and down the stairs to beat the band to the “‘Bugle Call Rag’ by Jack Pettis, Billy Meyers and Elmer Schoebel;” and an ensemble performance of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance,” which brought to mind visions of a demented barbershop octet, but in a really terrific way. The joi de vivre and spirit of this group is happily contagious.

Bottom line: Everybody gets a moment in the spotlight in this peppy, bold showcase. These kids are obviously talented, and even more obviously having a blast! Buy tickets to this show and I guarantee you’ll leave with a satisfied smile.

Our Fabulous Variety Show will present “An Eclectic Cabaret,” featuring burlesque, harmonious melodies, boisterous comedy, tantalizing dances, music by the Max Feldschuh Quintet, and more on Thursday, June 20, and Friday, June 21, at 7:30 p.m. at Guild Hall in East Hampton. Proceeds will benefit Your Day Away, Inc. Tickets are start at $15. For reservations, call (740) 607-6748 or visit ourfabulousvarietyshow.org.