It’s summer in the Coachella Valley and that means the heat is on. I’m not talking about the outside temperature. I’m talking about the heat being generated by the amazing array of talent still to come at CVREP’s Summer Cabaret series at their home in Cathedral City.
Running on most Tuesdays and Thursdays in July, talent from Broadway and Hollywood and points in-between grace the stage at CVREP for 90 electrifying minutes. On July 7 the incredible talent of Robert Yacko hits the CVREP stage. This musical theatre dynamo’s many credits include INTO THE WOODS, CHESS, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE AND PARADE. This promises to be a very special evening with an exceptionally talented performer.
July 9 brings another Broadway favorite, Emily Skinner, to the Coachella Valley. She has an enviable list of credits that includes THE FULL MONTY, PRINCE OF BROADWAY and BILLY ELLIOT. I was lucky enough to catch her amazing performance in SIDE SHOW as one half of a pair of Siamese twins, Daisy and Violet Hilton (she played Daisy) who toured the country in the vaudeville circuit. It is a performance that has stayed with me for almost 20 years since the day I saw it.
On July 14, CVREP welcomes back Glenn Rosenblum. He is always entertaining as he takes audiences through Broadway performances from yesterday and today. He is always full of juicy stories and great videos making the evening fly by. This night he will be talking about Broadway Love Songs and brings along special guest star, the always funny Alix Kory. Glenn returns on July 28 with an evening all about holiday songs from Broadway shows, On that night, his guests will be Eileen Barnett and Dana Meller from both L.A. and New York’s Musical Theatre Guild.
On July 16 get ready for the incredible vocals of Sarah Uriarte Berry and her salute to the music of Judy Garland. This is followed by an evening with Nic & Desi: Broadway to Hollywood. Real life husband and wife NICOLAS DROMARD and DESIREE DAVAR bring all their vocal and dancing talents in celebration of musicals from stage and screen.
On July 23, get ready for Mary VanArsdel as she sings the Barbara Cook songbook. Ms. VanArsdel has brought her vocal and acting skills to many musicals including A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Mary Poppins, Gypsy and Kiss Me Kate. Her beautiful soprano voice is a perfect match to the songs Barbara Cook made famous throughout her illustrious career. Who knows, she may even do a song from Flahooley!
Rounding out the summer series on July 30, is an evening with Davis Gaines. Mr. Gaines has a powerful baritone voice which he put to great use in his 2000 performances as the title role in Phantom of the Opera. .He Mancha. Among the many other shows he has appeared in are Hello, Dolly, Man of La Mancha and Sweeny Todd. I must admit I have a special fondness for Mr. Gaines, as I lit and directed his very successful concert at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles. It will be a wonderful conclusion to another great summer Cabaret series!
