Eastview Cabaret Series Held At Town Hall Theater 3/4

It's an after-hours kind of place: a cozy downstairs room, candles on the tables, a bar and a little something to eat, and talented musicians making great music in a very intimate setting. It feels like Greenwich Village, but it's the new cabaret series at Middlebury's Town Hall Theater

The Eastview Cabaret at Town Hall Theater has been a long-time dream of THT executive director Douglas Anderson. "There are many kinds of performances that just don't work well in the big hall," he says. "I've been longing for a small, 60-seat space that feels more up-close-and-personal. Now we have it."

The series opens on March 4 with master guitarist Stephen Kiernan in a show he calls "Stephen Kiernan and His Large Guitars." Although the instruments are only slightly bigger than usual, Kiernan makes them sound gigantic -- and like much more than one acoustic guitar: banjos, pianos, and often two guitars at once. Mixing originals with fingerstyle greats like Leo Kottke, Michael Hedges and Jorma Kaukonen, and using techniques that break all the rules of traditional guitar, he plays a variety of songs ranging from toe-tapping ragtime to sweet Irish ballads.

Critics rave about Kiernan's talent. "This guitarist is virtuosic. Agile fingers and a sensitive ear serve tunes that speak volumes without text. Kiernan's playing aches with bittersweet passion. His fingerwork shimmers with tenderness," say Pamela Polston of Seven Days

Second in the series is THT executive director Douglas Anderson, on March 25, in a show he calls "Songs You Don't Know". Anderson will be at the piano, sharing funny and unusual songs he's collected during his years in musical theater.

Rounding out the spring season is Bill Bickford and Mindy Hinsdale in "On Broadway", on April 15. Local audiences know Bill from his recent star turn as Professor Harold Hill in The Music Man. Bill and his wife Mindy, who has starred in musicals at the Flynn Theater, will mix show tunes and standards in a lively and tuneful show.

Two things have made the cabaret possible. "The first thing we needed," says Anderson, "was the right kind of small bistro table. They're not cheap, and I didn't know how to get them." Enter East Middlebury woodworker Jack Brown oF Brown Novelty. With the help of Greg Gilette of Connor Homes and THT board member Bruce Byers, twelve tables were created and donated to THT free of charge. "We're hugely indebted to these guys," says Anderson

A sponsor was needed, and Eastview at Middlebury stepped in to underwrite the series. "With Eastview sponsoring, we're able to keep the ticket price low," says Anderson. Tickets for the events are only $10, and may be purchased at www.townhalltheater.org, 802 382-9222, in person at the THT Box Office (Mon-Sat Noon-5 pm) or at the door. Cash bar will be available.

Anderson is very excited about the new series. "The idea is to come downtown and eat at one of Middlebury's great restaurants, and then come to the Eastview Cabaret for a musical nightcap. You couldn't ask for a better night on the town."

SIDEBAR
THE EASTVIEW CABARET AT TOWN HALL THEATER
7 and 9 pm $10
March 4 Stephen Kiernan and his Large Guitars
March 35 Douglas Anderson at the piano: Songs You Don't Know
April 15: Bill Bickford and Mindy Hinsdale: On Broadway
www.townhaltheater.org 382-9222