Spotlight Players Present FROM THE SHADOWS: THE VILLAINS TAKE THE STAGE Cabaret, 10/12-13

Musical theater villains are the characters we love to hate. They are enigmas. Their actions within the plot of any given musical paint them as despicable people who merit neither regard nor affection, and yet, we leave the theater humming wonderful, memorable melodies, and inwardly smiling. But their status as villains relegates their songs to the background. Join Canton's Spotlight Players for an evening of wicked fun when the villains of musical theatre take the stage to have their say in their "From The Shadows: The Villains Take the Stage" cabaret, October 12 and 13 at 8:00 p.m.

Directors Rebecca Biber and Becca Winder thought it was high time for the villains to step into the spotlight, and bask in its warm glow for a change. They have organized a wide-ranging show featuring an array of villains, from the tragic and tortured villains of Sweeney Todd and Chicago, to the bumbling, comical villains of Gilbert and Sullivan. There are even songs from cult favorites such as the film Bugsy Malone and Avengers-director Joss Whedon's web-based musical Dr. Horrible's Sing-a-Long Blog and maybe a favorite or two from classic Disney animation. Audiences should be forewarned, though, that this is an evening of naughty, bawdy, PG-13-rated entertainment and not necessarily for the little ones.

Winder observed, "I've been singing in the Spotlight Players' cabaret for three years, and I'm thrilled with the chance to direct it for the first time. It has been a genuine pleasure working with my friend and colleague, Rebecca Biber, as well as this stellar cast. Each cast member is bringing his/her best to this show. I am proud and excited to present such an impressive, polished show to the community."

About the cast, Winder added, "We have assembled an impressive cast, ensuring a high-quality entertainment experience for all. Each member of the cast has starred in leading roles in musical and Theater Productions from New York to Ann Arbor. You won't want to miss the chance to see a show of this caliber!"

In addition to Biber and Winder who will also perform, the cast includes Sarah Faix (Ypsilanti), Lindsay Frischmuth (Plymouth), Brandon Mace (Novi), Christine Kapusky-Moore (Canton), Matt Peckham (Ann Arbor), Olivia Rhoades (Plymouth), Roy Sexton (Saline), and Eric Winder (Livonia).

Spotlight Players present "From The Shadows: The Villains Take the Stage" cabaret, October 12 & 13, 8 pm, $13-15, Village Theater, Canton, Michigan. For more information and tickets, please visit www.spotlightplayersmi.org or call (734) 394-5300.