BWW Previews: PATEL STUDENTS, GRADE SEVEN THROUGH ADULT, SHOWCASED IN WINTER CABARET in TECO THEATRE at The Straz Center For The Performing Arts

Back by popular demand is the Winter Cabaret at TECO Theatre at the Straz Center on January 12. Performed by Patel Conservatory students in grade seven through adult, Winter Cabaret features solo, duet and small group musical performances, with a choreographed opening and closing number.

Requiring no audition, this four-day intensive has students rehearsing Wednesday, January 9 through Saturday, January 12 and performing the second annual cabaret that Saturday evening. The cost to participate is $150.

Suzanne Livesay, Vice President of Education described cabaret music as music- typically story songs- intended to be sung directly to an audience. The Winter Cabaret was inspired by students wanting to do a different type of material during their off-time in the summer.

Even if students are uncomfortable doing solos, they can still have fun doing the opening and closing group numbers and may still be put into another small group.

Steve Jones, a former Disney performer, is choreographing the special event, with Suzanne directing and the theatre and music instructors as the artistic team.

"This is a chance for our kids and adults to experience what cabaret material feels like. It allows them to try something that isn't necessarily published musical theatre. There's a lot of pieces written specifically for cabaret," she said. "So many of our kids get the chance to do shows, but they don't necessarily get the opportunity to try out the world of a cabaret performance. We have banter in between then you perform some numbers. Cocktail music would be another way to think of it."

Patrons can enjoy bar service and purchase cabaret table seating in the front of the theatre.

Suzanne said, "A cabaret allows for a single-story song, that maybe doesn't fit in the context of a regular show, to get tried on for size."

Regularly priced tickets are $15, table seating $20, and may be purchased by calling 813.229.7827, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office or online at www.strazcenter.org.