E. Faye Butler Performs at Center Stage Feb. 12-14

The inspiration behind Center Stage's newly introduced Cabaret Series, Center Stage Associate Artist E. Faye Butler returns for a Valentine's week-end. After her rousing performances in Ain't Misbehavin'; Dinah Was; and Caroline, or Change, Butler will be presenting her own show entitled "Just 'N Time".

It was last January when Butler sat down with Center Stage Artistic Director Irene Lewis with the idea of using the Head Theatre more often with a combination of cabaret performances, readings of new plays, and small one act plays.

"I love the feeling of the Head. It's so intimate. I thought this idea could bring in a diverse group of people who just want to be entertained, to chill, to sit back, relax and listen to some music. There aren't many clubs these days and there are so many talented performers looking for work. It also features a lovely bar."

Well, Lewis liked the idea and informed Butler she should open the season. But due to other committments, Judy Kaye took that spot.

Butler began singing in clubs in Chicago in the 1980's and then stopped to focus on theater.

She began working on this show last April. She performed "Just 'N Time" initially at the Mariott Lincolnshire Theater in Chicago. She commented, "In this show, people get see ME!"

What will you get? Two acts, over twenty tunes, and you'll be transformed back in time to a Hollywood Supper Club. "This isn't a singer in a black dress and a keyboard player. I have two gowns and an orchestra"

Backing her up are e' Marcus Harper on piano (the musical director of the Arena Stage successful production of Crowns), Jessie Tower (double bass), Matthew Pierce (tenor sax), Walker Terret (electric bass), and Johnny Jones (drums).

Butler's songs include music by Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, Jerry Herman, Barry Manilow, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, George Gershwin, and thank goodness, two songs from her performance of Dinah Was, "What a Difference a Day Makes" and "Long John".

You'll also be able to purchase Butler's new CD entitled "A Circle of Firsts" which features music from the show. She'll also be back at Center Stage as the title character in August Wilson's blockbuster classic, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, beginning April 7 to May 9.

E. Faye Butler's Cabaret will play Friday, February 12 at 8 pm, Saturday, February 13 at 5 pm, Saturday, February 13 at 8 pm, and Sunday, February 14 at 2 pm at Centerstage's Head Theater located at 700 North Calvert Street in Baltimore. Tickets are $30 - $35.  For more information and tickets, call 410-332-0033 or visit centerstage.org.

Baltimore native Tracie Thoms returns to Center Stage for the final 2009-10 Season Cabaret, April 29-May 2, 2010.

The Center Stage Cabaret Series showcases the Head Theater's revamped bar, featuring a selection of fine wines and microbrews to complete the nightclub-like atmosphere. Some seating has been reconfigured in an intimate, cabaret style, with tables throughout the theater.

For comments, write to cgshubow@broadwayworld.com.