By Deardra Shuler, Syndicated Columnist
Every Monday night, at 7:00 p.m., the Entertainment XPress, gets on
board with a carload of talent, scrumptious food and wonderful dinner
theatre at the Playwright Tavern and Restaurant, located at 732 Eighth
Avenue (between 45th and 46th Street). Though often the faire has
been murder mystery genre, this season the offering is musical Cabaret.
“It’s a wonderful mix of age and culture” claims the show’s producer,
Jacqueline Hankins. “I was curious whether the varied arrangements,
alto, and a classical voice, mixed with the razzmatazz and sparkle of the
Broadway variety singer could possibly make for good entertainment.
Yet, audiences really have a good time and seem to like the diversity of
talent and range in voices. The crowd seems enchanted by the
contagious good natured fun loving spirit and stage antics of the artists
who delight in the spell they cast over the room.”
The show is comprised of four singers Jacqueline Hankins, Lance Phillips, Margaret Wheeler and Ann Estill who belt out tunes
via their varied and diverse musical styles and genre, yet still manage to harmonize their assorted sounds into a synchronized
rhythmic blending. Show medleys such as Gershwin’s “Wonderful, Marvelous,” “I Got Rhythm” and other theatrical classics
from Irving Berlin such as: “Puttin on the Ritz,” “Stepping Out With My Baby,” Sy Coleman’s “Hey Big Spender,” some scatting to
Duke Ellington’s “It Don’t Mean A Thing”; provides high spirit and fun. Big band classics such as “Sunny Side of the Street” and
Bye Bye Blackbird” are belted out Ethel Merman style by the cast members. Meredith Wilson’s song “Till There was You” known
via the show “Music Man” was sung with great heart by soprano Ann Estill.
Jacqueline Hankins, who doubles as music director and artist, has put together a variety of songs, mostly musical theater
standards, but there are also blues and classical selections and a bit of rap from her murder mystery series productions to
boot. The ensemble is accompanied by pre-recorded music mostly orchestrated by Hankins.
The show which is on the third floor of the Playwright Tavern runs one hour. Patrons are treated to a friendly atmosphere,
pleasant chit chat with the cast and inexpensive drinks and delicious food that can be digested during the show but must be
ordered before the show begins.
Since there is a paucity of dinner theatres in New York City these days, this delightful combination of dinner theatre and dinner
faire ($20 admission per person, menu not included) offers an exceptional and enjoyable way to spend an evening.
Entertainment Xpress begins at 7:00 p.m., so come early to order your food and get settled.
Interested parties can buy tickets by phone 212-246-4908 or on her website:
http://entertainmentxpress.hiphopmusicalmysteries.com.
Film Clip
Jacqueline Hankins
Lance Phillips
Show Specifications
Reviews
