Feature: THE COCKTAIL CABARET at Cleopatra's Barge At Caesars Palace

Broadway star Brent Barrett will wow audiences as a special guest emcee in "The Cocktail Cabaret" on Cleopatra's Barge in Caesars Palace June 13-16.

"The Cocktail Cabaret" is an upbeat, stylish, and intimate musical cabaret-style revue reminiscent of vintage Vegas. The show will enhance the cocktail hour experience as a prelude to dinner, the theatre, special event or night on the Strip. The 70-minute production features a combination of live original music and well-known stylized and re-imagined modern standards.

Barrett has entertained audiences from the stages of Broadway, on the Las Vegas Strip, and The West End. He currently is reprising his role as Billy Flynn in the Tony Award-winning hit, "CHICAGO-The Musical," for which Barrett received a Los Angeles Drama Critics Award. Prior to his Broadway return, Barrett relocated to Las Vegas where he was asked to open the new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular." Barrett received an Olivier Award nomination for his starring role in the London premiere of the Tony Award-winning Broadway revival of "Kiss Me, Kate." Barrett also starred in the City Center Encores! production of "The Pajama Game," and as King Arthur in the Paper Mill Playhouse production of "Camelot." Barrett has also starred in Broadway productions of "Annie Get Your Gun," "Dance a Little Closer," and "Grand Hotel."

As for guest emceeing, "I'm very excited about performing in The Cocktail Cabaret at Caesars. Keith Thompson and Philip Fortenberry put the show together with a fantastic group of singers. The piece is a very sophisticated show, and I think it will be a fun challenge," he told BroadwayWorld.com. "As far as emceeing goes, I'm doing most of the talking, and I'm just another member of the cast."

It appears to be destiny that Barrett would become a performer. "My first influence came from my older cousin, Victoria Bolen, who was a wonderful pianist and ballet dancer. When I was about five years old, she would make me stand by the piano and sing, which I loved. I was also fortunate to have wonderful teachers along the way who guided and encouraged me."

He listened to artists such as Elvis, John Denver, James Taylor, Elton John, and Carol King as his musical influences. Barrett also played the guitar and sang in his small hometown in Kansas before heading toward the bright lights of show businesses.

Even though Barrett has performed on the Strip before, he is aware that the audiences in Las Vegas are from all over the world and expect a very high level of entertainment. According to Barrett, while audiences in New York City are interested in being exposed to new and unusual music, fans in Las Vegas enjoy the classics and will appreciate the show.

Truly a piece of Caesars Palace's storied history, Cleopatra's Barge offers a classic Vegas lounge and bar experience. Brent Barrett will emcee "The Cocktail Cabaret" June 13-16. Showtime is 6 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit CocktailCabaret.com, visit any Las Vegas Caesars Entertainment Box Office or call 702-777-2782.

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