Lovers of music, storytelling and song will be gathering tonight to enjoy cabaret under the bright lights of Broadway. No, not the Great White Way — although the quality of the show will be just as spectacular. This Broadway is our Broadway, home of the Marlene Boll Theater at the Boll Family YMCA. The theater is hosting a performance by a new group called Cabaret 313, which brings the unique art of cabaret to Detroit.
Cabaret, says Sandi Reitelman, is storytelling through song. She and Allan Nachman founded Cabaret 313 to bring this sophisticated and delightful type of performance to Detroit. Unlike a concert, where you will hear performers sing song after song with little conversation in between, cabaret allows the performer to put more of a personal stamp on what they do with storytelling — perhaps some background on a song, or an explanation of what a particular song means to them. They are usually held in intimate settings such as the Boll Theater and feature food and drink. “What one experiences is a real connection with the artist,” Sandi says.
Cabaret 313 began last year with a series of performances in homes to raise money to launch a more full-fledged series. Tonight’s show at the Boll came at the suggestion of Marlene Boll herself, Sandi says, She heard about Cabaret 313 from Allan and suggested they consider the Y as a venue. It’s been a very good experience, Sandi says, and she’s excited for tonight’s performance.
Norm Lewis is tonight’s performer, known as “the most beautiful voice on Broadway.” He’s been seen on Broadway in Porgy and Bess, for which he was nominated for a Tony Award. He’s also featured on television the hit show Scandal. “He is brilliant,” says Sandi. “He has a wonderful range of music, all sung very well.” He will be doing two shows, one at 7 p.m. and one at 10 p.m., with a reception an hour prior. Tickets are $125 for preferred cabaret seating and $50 for general admission. Tickets include hors d’ouves and beer and wine, and are available through Brown Paper Tickets.
Bringing this art form to Detroit is a thrill, says Sandi, and so is being a part of the growing excitement in the downtown area. “Cabaret originated in the late 1800s and early 1900s, in cities that were on the rise such as Berlin or Montmartre — cities where things were happening,” Sandi says. “That notion spurred us on even further.”
Their next show is at the Chrysler Black Box Theater at the Detroit Opera House. It’s called “Eleven O’Clock Numbers” which refers to the songs performed for the crowds leaving the Broadway shows and seeking entertainment in the restaurants and lounges around the theaters. Performers are Christina Bianco, Scott Coulter and Carole J. Bufford.
For more information on Cabaret 313, visit their website at cabaret313.org for artist bios, ticket information and more.