What’s Hotter than August in Washington? This Weekend’s Cabaret!

A behind-the-scenes look at the next installment in our Cabaret Series

Professional singers. A small, private setting. A cash bar and food plate. The Cabaret Series at the Workhouse has all the makings of a fun, intimate night at the theater, and this weekend we’re adding a little sultry spice to the mix.

Each cabaret in the Workhouse series consists of three or four professional performers, some of them Helen Hayes award winners and nominees, singing a collection of songs related to the cabaret’s theme. There’s live music to accompany the performers, and sometimes even a little audience interaction. “It’s a high quality performance, but has a touch of informality that makes the cabaret really fun for the audience,” said Joseph Wallen, Director of Performing Arts at the Workhouse.

For each cabaret in the series, Wallen and co-curator Mary Payne hand-select professional performers based on the theme of the cabaret. In addition to solo rehearsals, the group rehearsals are a very collaborative experience between the curators and the performers as the final song list and staging are created. In terms of choosing songs, “it’s all about finding variety,” said Wallen. “We have to make sure to have a good balance of songs that appeal to our audience, while introducing new, possibly unfamiliar, material to the mix.”

“Now,” said Wallen, “let’s talk about the food.” Each cabaret ticket also includes a ‘planche campagnarde,’ with fruit kabobs, different types of cheese, crackers, bread, gourmet chocolate squares and sparkling water. The refreshments are a very unique addition to the cabaret, enhance the mood of the already intimate setting and are included with your ticket purchase. An a la carte cash bar with beer, wine and other soft drinks is also in the venue.

This weekend, the cabaret harkens back to the old-school vibe, as a trio of “sultry sirens” reined-in by a flirty emcee and will feature songs from Chicago, Cabaret, Sweet Charity, and other similar musicals. “This cabaret is a little departure from our normal atmosphere, but the rehearsals are looking (and sounding) great.  I think audiences are going to have a blast with this one.” said Wallen.

So, as the temperature goes up, make sure to stop at the W-3 Theatre this Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 1pm for a cabaret that’s just as hot!

THIS WEEK AT THE WORKHOUSE

• 360 Degrees of Post-Traumatic Stress, June 22-August 18, Vulcan Gallery.
• 3rd Annual Workhouse Clay National 2013, July 31-September 8, McGuireWoods Gallery.
• Workhouse Summer Camp, June 24-August 2, Campus-wide.
• Workhouse Farmers Market, Thursday 3-7pm, Workhouse Quad.
• Winnie the Pooh, Saturday at 1pm, W-3 Theatre.
• Mount Vernon Nights, Saturday at 7pm, Workhouse Quad.
• Cabaret Series: Hot, Hot, Hot!, Saturday at 8pm & Sunday at 1pm, W-3 Theatre.
• July Exhibitions in all seven studio buildings, Vulcan Gallery.
• August Exhibitions in all seven studio buildings, Vulcan Galllery.

Stop by and visit us! 

The Workhouse is open Wednesday – Saturday from 11am – 7pm and Sundays from 12 – 5pm.  The Workhouse Prison Museum is open Wednesday – Friday from 12 – 3pm and Saturday – Sunday from 12 – 4pm.  Visit www.WorkhouseArts.org for more information, to purchase tickets or to register for classes.