Molly Ringwald, Klea Blackhurts & More Set for Richmond CenterStage's LIFE IS A CABARET! Series

Richmond CenterStage today announced the lineup for the third year of the annual U.S. Trust Life is a Cabaret! Series: A Celebration of the American Song Book, which will begin on October 17 with the first of four performances by Richmond's own Sharon Rae North in her CenterStage debut.

Showcased primarily in the sleek and sophisticated Rhythm Hall in Dorothy Pauley Square, patrons are seated at intimate cabaret tables where they'll enjoy food and beverage service while enjoying world-class entertainment right here in Richmond's Arts and Culture District.

"On the heels of our most successful year to date, CenterStage is delighted to host this top-tier list of performers for our third straight year of the U.S. Trust Life is a Cabaret! Series," CenterStage Executive Director Richard M. Parison, Jr. said. "We are thrilled that this year features Broadway legends Liz Callaway and KLea Blackhurst and welcomes back Molly Ringwald for a special engagement. We know that our devoted cabaret audiences will love our entire season of performances."

Season ticket subscriptions are now available for this series by calling 804.592.3401.

While artists are subject to change, currently our lineup for the 2013-14 season includes:

SHARON RAE NORTH
Something Wonderful: The Music of Rodgers &Hammerstein
Thursday, October 17 - Saturday, October 19, 2013 - 7 p.m.
Sunday, October 20, 2013 - 2 p.m. matinee

This Richmond songstress sings classical and contemporary jazz alongside the American Songbook standards. Her premiere album The Way You Make Me Feel continues to receive airplay internationally. Sharon's countless performances include opening for artists such as Patti LaBelle, Stanley Clark, Chaka Khan and many others. Rodgers and Hammerstein show tunes have never sounded this smooth!

Liz Callaway
An Evening with Liz Callaway
Thursday, November 21 - Saturday, November 23, 2013 - 7 p.m.
Sunday, November 24, 2013 - 2 p.m. matinee

Purity of voice and sweetness of persona - that is Liz Callaway. This Emmy-Award winner made her Broadway debut in Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along and received a Tony Nomination for her performance in Baby.

She provided the singing voices for numerous animated films including the title role in the Oscar-nominated Anastasia. Callaway's career has taken her to London, Paris, Barcelona, and most major cities in the US - and now CenterStage audiences will be captured by her magic spell!

Todd Murray
Croon
Thursday, February 13 - Saturday, February 15, 2014 - 7 p.m.
Sunday, February 16, 2014 - 2 p.m. matinee

Defined as the artful singing of soft, romantic lyrics through an amplified microphone, crooning almost disappeared with Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Mel Torme. But crooning is back with the mellow sounds of Todd Murray. With perfect diction, meticulous phrasing and a throaty baritone, Todd's material brings back the floating, relaxed memories of the big-band era! CenterStage audiences will be serenaded with passion, style and grace by this cabaret prince!

KLea Blackhurst
Everything the Traffic Will Allow: The Songs & Sass of Ethel Merman
Thursday, April 10 - Saturday, April 12, 2014 - 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 13, 2014 - 2 p.m. matinee

With crackling wit and powerful vocals, KLea Blackhurst honors the big, brassy sounds of Ethel Merman. From shows likeAnnie Get Your Gun, Anything Goes, and Hello Dolly!, audiences will enjoy Broadway classics performed by this celebrated Cabaret genius.

Audiences are enthralled with Klea's vivacious, witty and funny stories. Cabaret Scenes Magazine calls this "Easily one of the very best Cabaret shows I've ever seen!"

SPECIAL HOLIDAY ADD-ON PERFORMANCE IN GOTTWALD PLAYHOUSE
Molly Ringwald
A Winter Wonderland

Thursday, December 12 - Saturday, December 14, 2013 - 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 15, 2013 - 11 a.m. Sunday Brunch, 12:30 p.m. performance
Brunch Tickets are an additional $30 per person

Molly Ringwald returns to Richmond for a limited engagement to celebrate the holidays. In this holiday show, Molly Will dazzle audiences with her jazz cabaret featuring selections from her most recent CD. With velvet tones and a delicious sense of humor and playfulness - Molly Will enchant you with an evening of unforgettable selections of Jazz and American Songbook favorites!

Season Subscribers have the option to buy tickets to Molly Ringwald before they go on-sale to the General Public! This performance is not included in the 4-show subscription.

** All Cabaret Artists Subject to Change

To purchase season ticket subscriptions, patrons can call 804.592.3401. Single tickets will be available on September 3 at 1.800.514.ETIX (3849), on richmondcenterstage.com or at the CenterStage Box Office.