A few years ago, actor/singer/producer Heather Hodson said to her friends, "Wouldn't it be great to do a Broadway cabaret here on Bowen?"
Leaving that heartfelt plea out there, Hodson went on with her business. She was secretly hoping that someone would pick up the concept but time went by and no one took the bait. However, one fateful November day, Hodson ran into Gil Yaron at a community event and asked him if he would like to do a Broadway cabaret with her. Gil said "Yes!" Since then, many stars have been born.
On Friday, April 15 and Saturday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m., Broadway on Bowen will take the island by storm at Cates Hill Chapel. With a cast of 16 supported by local musicians Buff Allen, Brian Hoover, Shelagh Sparks and others, many Bowen friends and neighbours will take to the bright lights of Broadway on Bowen. A lively poster declares, "Where Dreams Really Do Come True." Yaron describes the over arching theme of this eclectic show. "The songs travel through a progression of characters who are seeking their dreams; to people who are realizing their dreams; to people who are frustrated about things being not quite as they expected they would be in their dreams; to people losing their dreams."
Originally Yaron put out a call for anyone who was interested to come out and try on a song for the show. Auditions are what he first had in mind but when he saw the selection of talent and ability, he decided to bring on everyone who turned up with a song. The show features selections from older Broadway hits right up to tunes from the present day. The audience will be treated to numbers from The King and I, Cabaret, Les Miz, Merrily We Roll Along, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Company, Gypsy and a recent Broadway hit called the Last Five Years.
The age range of performers is impressive as well. With the youngest being nine and the oldest an elder of the community, the talent and the years are well represented. There are seasoned actors such as David Cameron and Jackie Minns along with others who have never before set foot on a stage. This is a true Bowen event, guaranteed to be unique and highly entertaining. Even Yaron and Hodson will each do a number.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for children, seniors and students. They can be purchased at Phoenix or at the door. Do as the song says: "Come to the Cabaret, old chum." You are guaranteed to laugh and cry and perhaps even have thoughts about how you can audition and be in the show next year. Word on the street has it there may be a sequel.
Lorraine Ashdown
