BWW Interviews: Q&A With The Cabaret's Executive & Artistic Director Shannon Forsell

When The Cabaret, a loftly-named venue in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, sent an invite to Tony Award winner Laura Benanti's In Constant Search of the Right Kind of Attention cabaret act, I jumped at the opportunity to venture a tad beyond Chicagoland to try & visit something new. What we found, besides Benanti and composer, accompanist, & musical director Todd Almond's stellar set, was an intimate and opulent space unlike anywhere I've visited here in town.

With performances from Jeremy Jordan (Smash, Newsies), Kelli O'Hara (The Bridges of Madison County, The Light in the Piazza), and Christine Ebersole (Grey Gardens, 42nd Street) remaining this season, The Cabaret's executive and artistic director Shannon Forsell participated in a Q&A to share history of the club, some audience favorites, and what exactly draws performers to her space.

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BWW: What initially drew you to opening The Cabaret at the Columbia Club?

Shannon Forsell: About ten years ago, I was in New York City attending a cabaret show with Andrea Marcovocci at the Oak Room in the Algonquin. I was so mesmerized by the intimacy of the performance and how wonderful it was to see amazing talent up close and personal--as if they were singing right in your living room (albeit a swanky living room. I turned to my husband and said, "I wish Indy had a place like this." A few years later, I was given the opportunity to help American Cabaret Theatre restructure the organization and The Cabaret was born.

BWW: With the likes of Laura Benanti, Megan Hilty, Jeremy Jordan, & Ms. Ebersole, you obviously know who the popular theatrical and classical cabaret performers of the moment are. What is your background in?

SF: I studied music and communications at DePauw University. I was a professional singer/actress and PR professional until I took on the job as executive director at The Cabaret. I still perform regularly, but running the cabaret definitely takes my focus at this point.

BWW: Why do you think your acts are drawn to The Cabaret?

SF: The Cabaret prides itself in presenting world-class cabaret performers, so in a very short period of time we have built a reputation as one of the top cabaret rooms in the country. Our room is stunning. In addition, we share our Midwest hospitality by treating all of the performers who visit us like the stars that they are. Our audiences are sophisticated but warm and receptive. In turn, the artists not only want to come back, but they also tell their talented friends that they all need to perform at The Cabaret!

BWW: Who's been the most surprising guest you've hosted the past few seasons?

SF: Ana Gasteyer! Many people don't realize this comedienne can sing--she was in numerous Broadway shows. Her show was not only funny, but smart and swingin'. And the woman can belt a song with the best of them.

BWW - Has any performer been a stand-out favorite of your subscribers?

SF - Stephanie J. Block (Wicked, Anything Goes, 9 to 5). We could book her every year and she would still be a sellout.

BWW: Who's your bucket-list performer you'd like to have visit your space?

SF: Kristin Chenoweth

BWW - What makes The Cabaret different from, say, other clubs in Indy or around the Midwest?

SF - The Cabaret was created to fill void and create a niche in Indianapolis and the Midwest. There are very few cabarets in the country, let alone the Midwest. We try to pattern ourselves with the best New York cabaret clubs such as 54 Below and Cafe Carlyle. We try to bring in performers that no one else is presenting in the area, which is why people come from miles around to see our shows.

BWW: Is there a secret to that successful difference?

SF: On of the biggest differences between The Cabaret and most other cabarets is that we are a nonprofit arts organization. The intimacy that makes cabaret a magical art form also inhibits profit, due to the fact that the rooms typically seat 150 or less. In order to have world-class talent, you have to pay a world-class artist fee. This leaves cabarets a couple of options: Charge a very high ticket price or present less expensive acts that may not have the same consistent level of cache.

The Cabaret's mission is also to train aspiring local talent. Many of the performers who come to venue also teach a master class while they are here. We also have a variety of hands on educational classes. This way, we can continue to train and build the next generation of cabaret artists in order to help keep this wonderful art form alive and well.

BWW: Can you give any hints as to what next season's going to look/sound like?

SF: I am still finalizing the season (which starts in January), but here is a teaser of our diverse lineup: a group of young, hipster jazzers who made their mark playing at Joe's Pub and on the subway; a handsome leading man who Iranian-born but has fought the French in London and New York; a belting Broadway dreamgirl, and the "bad girl of cabaret!" Let's just say, it is going to be cool.

BWW: Finally, if you were to host your own cabaret, what would that show be called?

SF: I actually have hosted my own weekend. The show was titled "Songs I've Never Sung On Broadway: Confessions From A Star In Indiana and Parts of Illinois." It's true.

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Tickets for The Cabaret's 2014 Fall season are now on sale. Click here for tickets and additional information. The Cabaret at The Columbia Club, 121 Monument Circle, Suite 516, Indianapolis, IN 46204

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