Feature: 2018 SUMMER CABARET FESTIVAL at Venice Theatre

Venice Theatre is once again turning its Pinkerton Theatre into Pinky's Cabaret for the sixth annual Summer Cabaret Festival with 20 different productions featuring some of the best cabaret acts in the state of Florida. Performances are July 13-Aug. 26 at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, with some late night performances. Tickets are $20. Venice Theatre is located at 140 W. Tampa Ave. in Venice, FL. For more information you may call the box office at 941-488-1115, or go on line to venicestage.com.

Journey to the Past
Starring Sarah Cassidy
Fri., July 13 at 7:30 p.m.; Sat., July 14 at 2 p.m.
An evening of the music of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, the brilliant team behind Ragtime, Once on This Island, Seussical and more. Sarah (Featured in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Sister Act at VT) celebrates Ahrens' and Flaherty's 30-year partnership with songs from their first collaboration to their current Broadway hit, Anastasia. Selections will include "Amazing Maizie;" "Notice Me, Horton;" "Journey to the Past;" "The Streets of Dublin;" and "Back to Before."

Let Me Be There, A Tribute to the Great Female Vocalists of Country & Pop
Starring Michele Pruyn & Patti Highland
Saturday, July 14 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, July 15 at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Patti Highland & Michele Pruyn pay tribute to great female vocalists including The Judds, Olivia Newton-John, Patsy Cline, Linda Ronstadt, Anne Murray, Karen Carpenter, and Bette Midler. Get ready to hear great songs like "Let Me Be There," "When Will I Be Loved," "Brown Eyes Blue," "The Rose," "Anything You Can Do," "Bosom Buddies," "Tennessee Waltz," "You Needed Me," "Wind Beneath My Wings," "Crazy" and much more!

Eric Watters presents I'll Be Seeing You, the Songs of an Extraordinary Time
Thursday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, July 20 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, July 21 at 2 p.m.
Eric Watters' performance will include songs of the World War II era about patriotism, leaving your love, war, and encouragement. Songs written by Irving Berlin, Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne, Ira Gershwin and Jerome Kern and made famous by Dinah Washington, Bing Crosby, the Andrews Sisters, and Duke Ellington's and Glen Miller's Bands are sure to bring back memories.

Momma Needs a Drink
Starring Alana Opie
Saturday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, July 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Alana Opie presents an evening of song that explores the journey and adventure of being a performer with twin tots and not enough coffee in the world to keep her sane. She'll share her unique perspective with songs like "Journey to the Past" from Anastasia, "Always a Bridesmaid" from I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, "Children Will Listen" from Into the Woods, "It Was a Sh*t Show" from Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, "I Miss the Mountains" from Next to Normal, "The Love of My Life" from Brigadoon and "Easy Terms" from Blood Brothers.

It's About TIME!
Starring Diana Vytell
Thursday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, July 27 at 7:30 p.m.
As Gertrude Stein said, "Begin, and begin again." Time is little moments, where we are either awake or asleep. Diana muses on her own experiences and the role time plays in all our lives, through relationships, dreams, and decisions; she shares songs from Broadway, Jazz, Pop, Folk, and the Classical songbook. She last performed this show for the Sarasolo Festival in February 2018 with Broadway veteran Ann Morrison as her Director.

Yesterday Once More, A Tribute to the Carpenters
Starring Michele Pruyn
Saturday, July 28 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, July 29 at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy a professional 5-piece band with Michele Pruyn performing songs by the most memorable and beloved brother/sister duo, Richard & Karen Carpenter! Songs will include "Top of the World," "Rainy Days and Mondays," "Masquerade," "Close to You," "Superstar," and "Mr. Postman."

Better Late Than Never
Starring Carey Yaruss
Thursday, Aug. 2 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 5 at 2 p.m.
In her return to the stage after a five-year hiatus, Carey invites you to hear how a single, 30-something, NYC vocalist, ended up a 40-something, married, mom of two toddlers in Florida. Through a collection of pop, jazz, musical theater, folk-rock, blues, and originals, you'll hear a story about detours and dreams, and about following your heart's calling. It's about time. It's about how sometimes being late is actually, exactly, right on time.

Cruising to the Movies
Starring Michelle Kasanofsky
Friday, Aug. 3 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Venice Theatre's #1 music director is back with a new family cabaret. And this year it's a double billing. One half features Michelle and her amazing father George Mancini, performing their unique interpretation of music featured in movies. The other highlights Mikal Mancini and Khamor Lyons premiering their distinctive take on cruise ship music. You'll be part of their audition video as they try out for the opportunity to cruise the open seas. The whole show is accompanied by adopted Mancini, Joel Broome, on drums. You don't want to miss this two-for-one show, tied together in the way only Michelle Kasanofsky and her family can!

Franny Lonesome
By Francine Smetts
Saturday, Aug. 4 at 2 p.m.; Thursday, Aug. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Often backstage designing eye-popping sets and costumes, Francine is also a writer and singer. She invites you to hear an evening of music we can guarantee you've never heard before! Her original show, Franny Lonesome, is a 1950's western love story musical. With influences from western swing, jazz, and boogie-woogie, there is certainly something for everyone. Featuring Dorian Boyd, Kim Kollar, Michelle Neal, Andrew Leech, Alana Opie, and Franny Lonesome!

I Got Rhythm
Starring Joel Broome
Sunday, Aug. 5 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 18 at 2 p.m.
He can accompany just about any musical Venice Theatre throws at him; now come check out what he can do when he's in the spotlight! An evening of familiar and original songs featuring drums and other percussive instruments. Supported by guest musicians, drums take the lead in this cabaret showcasing Joel Broome's drumming talent! In addition to Joel's original work, you'll hear "Spain, a Latin Medley," tunes from James Brown, Tower of Power and much more!

Summer Stock Late Night Cabaret
Thursday, Aug. 9 at 11 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 10 at 11 p.m.
The young cast of Into the Woods shares their vocal talents in this intimate late-night cabaret.

Venice Theatre Staff Cabaret
Friday, Aug. 10 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Venice Theatre's multi-talented employees get the chance to strut their stuff on stage! From the box office and marketing to production and development, representatives from just about every department are pitching in to put on a great show for you!

The Sinatra Songbook
Starring John Lariviere
Saturday, Aug. 11 at 2 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 12 at 2 p.m.
Cabaret and jazz singer John Lariviere regularly headlines throughout South Florida performing at local theatres and clubs. He has sung live on the radio and on TV, and you can hear his voice in leading roles on two original cast albums. Look for him as Theodore in the independent horror film spoof Imaginary Movie, and as Robert in the DMOC web series King of the Streets. John is back by popular demand with his sold-out one-man show, The Sinatra Songbook.

Dorian and The Furniture presents GO!
One night only! Sunday, Aug. 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Dorian & The Furniture - GO! explores the intersection of history and passion, centering on folk/rock's twisted history with activism and protest, with music from the 1800s up to this year. Songs will include "Leave" from Once; "If It Takes A Lifetime" by Jason Isbell; "Hard Times Come Again No More" by Stephen Foster; "Millworker" from Working by James Taylor; "Holiday" by Green Day; and "Go" by the Indigo Girls.

Not My Type
Starring Liz Pascoe and Friends
Thursday, Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Liz and her cast of talented singer/actors perform songs made famous by iconic musical theatre characters. (Characters they'll never get to play, because they're the wrong type.) Through a
variety of audience participation games, you'll hear surprise material in unexpected genres and styles! No two shows are the same in this evening of casual and hilarious fun! Not My Type will feature songs from some of your favorite musicals like Oklahoma, Cats, Sweeney Todd, Jesus Christ Superstar, and many more!

Big Red Nose Burlesque Presents: Summer Beach Party
Friday, Aug. 17 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 18 at 7:30 p.m.
It's Big Red Nose Burlesque's summer-themed show! Experience a vaudeville, burlesque, & cabaret-infused stage show featuring live vocals, stand up comedy, dancing, and much more with your favorite local talent. Songs from Sublime, Donna Summer, Grease, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and many more.

Stephen Ditchfield presents As Time Goes By
Sunday, Aug. 19 at 2 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 26 at 2 p.m.
Stephen Ditchfield is a highly accomplished soloist and is acclaimed as "the consummate performer," whether on stage in concert before thousands, or in the intimate atmosphere of a private party or special event. He has been entertaining and inspiring audiences for over 30 years and is the Musical Director of The Ditchfield Family Singers. Performing the music you love, the way you remember it, his performances feature a wide variety of music and styles including Best of Broadway, Standards, Big Band Classics, Inspirational and Patriotic favorites.

Tony's Girls
Starring Kim Kollar
Thursday, Aug. 23 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 24 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 25 at 2 p.m.
You've seen Kim Kollar star in many Tony Award winning musicals at Venice Theatre - Guys and Dolls; Hello, Dolly!; Urinetown; and Next to Normal to name a few. She's back in Pinky's Cabaret with a new solo show of Tony Award winning hit songs.

Something Good: The Rodgers & Hammerstein Songbook
Starring Kristofer Geddie
Saturday, Aug. 25 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday. Aug. 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Musical Theatre as we know it wouldn't exist without the genius of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Kris brings his own style to these giants who have won 34 Tony Awards, 15 Academy Awards, two Pulitzer Prizes, two Grammys, and two Emmys. He can't sing them all but you'll hear such classics as "Something Wonderful," "Something Good," "Some Enchanted Evening," "You'll Never Walk Alone," "You Are Beautiful," and "It Might As Well Be Spring."

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