Feb. 27, 2003 – Theater patrons are in for a sweet treat Friday and Sunday nights, and to benefit a cause dear to the hearts of many who'll be there.
Caribbean Community Theater is holding a fund raiser called the "After Dinner Dessert Cabaret" that will feature humorous songs and skits performed by a long list of actors who have appeared in CCT productions over the years.
But there's more. The show-biz lineup will include four special guests — singer Jonathan Edwards, whose hit song "Sunshine" earned him a gold record; New York cabaret singer Jennifer Ackerman; stage and film actor J. Todd Howell, who recently played in the revival of "Jesus Christ Superstar" on Broadway; and Mark Sanders, who recently finished a road tour of "Fiddler on the Roof."
The local talent consists of Michael Armendariz, William Butler, Eileen Des Jardins, Lana Donohoo, Lionel Downer, Lorraine Durand, Peggy Keylin, Amnerys Maldonado, Chip Renn, Frank Sluss and Glen Wells.
CCT's own David Richards is directing the production and providing piano accompaniment, with Marty Merrick on string bass.
Now for the bad news, for all but about 220 folks: Both shows are sold out, and there are no plans to add a third performance, according to Downer. (Should you want to add your name to the waiting list "just in case," tickets are $35 for CCT members and $40 for others; call 778-1983.)
The program takes place in the Sidney Lee Theater at Island Center. There'll be cocktails at 7 p.m. and showtime is at 8. Proceeds will go toward the building fund for CCT's new theater in Orange Grove, which is under construction and is expected to open next fall for the start of the 2003-04 season.
For this weekend's show, the theater has been converted into cabaret-style seating around small tables, which has reduced the usual seating capacity to "about 110 people," Downer says.
Local pastry chefs have donated the desserts that will be served along with complimentary tea and coffee. There also will be a cash bar including blended drinks.
"There was discussion of doing a third performance on Sunday, but some people had other commitments," Downer says. "But we may be revisiting the cabaret idea later on this season."
Ackerman, Edwards and Sanders are all friends of Armendariz, a CCT board member, Downer explains. And Howell owns a condominium unit at Gentle Winds on St. Croix. All have volunteered their time and talents in exchange for an excuse to take a break from the snow and cold of New York.
Much of the music in the show is taken from two earlier revues produced by CCT — "Secrets Every Smart Traveler Should Know" (2000) and "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" (1999). There are also songs from "Big River" (2002), "Sweet Charity" (2001) and "Pump Boys and Dinettes" (late 1990s).
The good news is that tickets have not yet gone of sale for the two remaining CCT productions this season, also to be presented at the Sidney Lee Theater:
"The Spitfire Grill," a musical, with performances at 8 p.m. March 21-22 and 28-29 and April 4- 5, and at 4 p.m. April 6.
"Five Women Wearing the Same Dress," a comedy, with performances at 8 p.m. May 9-10, 16-17 and 23-24, and at 4 p.m. May 25.
And more good news is that the CCT's new home, located between St. Croix Insurance and the Legal Services of the V.I. offices in Christiansted, will have a seating capacity of 200, "and air-conditioning," Downer says.
To reserve seats for the upcoming shows or to learn more about CCT, call 773-7171. To keep up with CCT doings, visit the company's Web presence on the Geocities site.
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