Red Branch Theatre Co. Launches New Summer Cabaret Series Tonight

Red Branch Theatre Company will hold its first series of one-night only cabaret performances this summer at Drama Learning Center in Columbia, MD. Each cabaret will consist of a solo or group headliner that regales audiences with a themed evening of songs and stories in a cabaret setting. Food and beverage will be available for sale before the show each night and during intermission. A cash bar will also be available for select performances.

Headliners slated to perform include Devron T. Young, Wendy Baird, and TYA teen professionals. Each evening will be a stand-alone, one-night-only performance.

Devron T. Young (July 13) is a proud graduate of Baltimore School for the Arts and University of Maryland. His performing credits include Joe Turner's Come and Gone with Jada Pinkett Smith, Eubie!, Once On This Island, and The Color Purple. A prolific performer and director, Mr. Young is a proud member of Actors Equity Association. He currently resides in Columbia, MD and is a teaching artist at Drama Learning Center.

Wendy Baird (August 24) has been singing on the musical theater stage, in the studio, and with big bands and orchestras for more than 20 years. A Red Branch Company Member, she was last seen on the Red Branch stage as Diana in Next to Normal. She has dozens of local theatrical credits to her name, including Little Women, Songs for a New World, Sweeney Todd, and 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. She is the proud mom of GMU senior Adam, and president of Insight180, a brand consulting and design firm in Ellicott City.

For the second year in a row, TYA teen professionals will hold a senior showcase to bid farewell to graduating members of The Acting Company. The July 20th performance will benefit DLC's teen professional company. In addition to the senior showcase and cabaret that features current members of TYA and esteemed alums of the program, a silent auction will also be held that evening to offset the operating costs of Drama Learning Center's flagship production program. Available by audition only, the TYA program allows students to work in a professional theatre environment as they learn about all aspects of theatrical work.

"The idea for a cabaret series is a direct result of both last year's TYA cabaret and this season's Red Branch retrospective showcase," states Stephanie Lynn Williams, Executive Producer for Red Branch Theatre Company. "After our Last Five Years retrospective cabaret this March, several Red Branch Company Members asked us why we didn't have something like this more often. Our space lends itself so naturally to an intimate cabaret performance, and we've certainly got access to some of the best talent in the region."

Red Branch Theatre Company will partner with different area restaurants to bring fine food and beverage offerings to each of the cabaret evenings. The July 20th performance will feature small plates for sale from Shannon's Saloon & Restaurant in Ellicott City. Red Branch is still accepting restaurant partners for the remaining cabaret dates. "Other cabarets have a cover charge and then a food and beverage minimum on top of that," shares Tiffany Underwood Holmes, the company's managing director. "We wanted to provide an outlet for people to eat and drink if they wanted to without mandating how much our patrons needed to spend. We're hoping that it will be a great way for area restaurants to gain some additional exposure."

Performances Dates and Times:

July 13: Devron T. Young

July 20: TYA Teen Professionals' Cabaret and Senior Showcase

August 24: Wendy Baird

Doors open at 7:30 PM

Show begins at 8:15 PM

s Small plates and cash bar available

Tickets are available for purchase online at www.redbranchtheatrecompany.com or by calling the box office at (410) 997-9352. Prices: $15 in advance*; $18 at the door (cash); $20 at the door (credit); and $40 for series 3-pack. *Online advance ticket purchase subject to $2 handling fee

Performances take place at the Drama Learning Center, 9130-I Red Branch Road, Columbia, MD. Call (410) 997-9352 for details.

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