Acting Ensemble Stage Company and Lampkin-Magic Productions Present I LOVE MEN Cabaret, 8/1

The Acting Ensemble Stage Company and Lampkin-Magic Productions are proud to announce a special collaborative performance of "I Love Men", a one-night only Cabaret performance by Diane Arnstein, to be held on First Friday, August 1 at Studio 217, 217 South Michigan, South Bend at 7:30pm. Tickets are $15 and available online at www.actingensemble.com or by calling 574-807-0108.

"I Love Men" is an evening of songs celebrating the men in our lives; from sassy to comedic to dramatic; from well known to obscure. Arnstein, a South Bend native who graduated from Central High School and learned under the tutelage of the legendary James Lewis Casady, went on to New York City where she began (among other things) singing in supper clubs and restaurants. She met Ralph Lampkin, Jr. during a summer visit to South Bend. Lampkin, a native New Yorker who transplanted to the Midwest 20 plus years ago and calls South Bend home, has produced concerts, cabarets, and special events throughout the country, including such places as Carnegie Hall/Weill Hall, the Apollo Theater, Mercury Theater, Avery Schreiber Theater in LA, and North Shore Performing Arts Center in Chicago. With 19 ASCAP awards for his talents as a lyricist under his belt, Lampkin is the owner of Lampkin-Magic Productions and is known locally for his work with several performing arts organizations.

"When I decided I wanted to return to South Bend (after 30 years) to do a cabaret performance in my home town," says Arnstein, "it seemed only natural to work with Ralph". The result is "I Love Men," a title and performance that reflects Arnstein's thoughts on the many men who have influenced her choices in life. . The performance is conceived by Arnstein and Ralph Lampkin, Jr., staged by Lampkin, who co-produced it with Phil Patnaude, whose background includes Technical Direction for South Bend School Corporation's Firefly Festival and Notre Dame Opera, and Resident Scene Design for South Bend Civic Theater.

For tickets or more information about this performance, upcoming events at Studio 217, or the Acting Ensemble, visit www.actingensemble.com, or call 574-807-0108.