| by Gregory Allen |
Irvington Town Hall Theater Manager
I can’t believe I’ve been at the Irvington Town Hall Theater (ITHT) for almost a year already. What an incredible time it has been working with so many people who share a common goal of bringing artistic expression to Irvington and the surrounding rivertowns. Nestled into the third floor of Town Hall, our theater is a gem of a space showcasing historic significance, beauty, and new and different types of events overseen by our dedicated theater commission.
In addition to our Best of Film Series (now in its sixth season) – which will screen 2015 Oscar winner “Still Alice” starring Julianne Moore on April 17 – ITHT introduced two new Monday night series this season: Irvington Stage Door, presenting readings of works in progress followed by audience “talk backs” with each work’s creative team, and Cabaret on The Hudson. I am especially proud of the Cabaret series, which is unlike anything else found in the suburbs. On Monday, April 13 at 8 p.m., we will wrap up the Cabaret series debut season with its final production until the fall. ITHT has presented Cabaret on the Hudson four times, and each time the talent has been phenomenal.
The series is hosted by multi-award-nominated cabaret artist Corinna Sowers-Adler, who founded Nicori Productions & Studios with her husband Nick. “Cabaret is important to me,” Sowers-Adler explained, “because of the intimate conversation you can have through music with your audience. Music is very unifying, and the art form of cabaret really lets us reach the people on a personal level.” In noting the difference between singing a song in a show versus performing a number in a cabaret setting, Sowers-Adler said, “When you sing a song outside of the context of the show, it becomes more personal. What do the lyrics mean to me and also to my audience? The song has its own beginning, middle, and end — and tells its own story.” Our audiences have experienced that intimacy and realize when the performer speaks to them from the stage that he or she expects a response.
Performing on April 13 will be award-winning actor/singer Shana Farr, who has appeared at every major cabaret venue in New York City; singer/composer Devin Bing, who captivates audiences with his soothing tones (and has performed with many acclaimed jazz artists); and our feature performer, Carole Demas, who is no stranger to the ITHT stage. Demas, who originated the role of Sandy on Broadway in “Grease” (for which she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) and starred in the longtime children’s television show, “The Magic Garden,” has dazzled audiences on Broadway, in concerts, and on television. Known throughout Westchester, Demas is a local favorite, and we are honored to have her close our first cabaret season and celebrate the series with us.
Tickets can be purchased in advance (online tickets are always less expensive than at the door) at http://bit.ly/COTH_April. Theater-goers are encouraged to arrive early and dine at one of Irvington’s many restaurants; some offer cabaret dinner specials for patrons who present their cabaret tickets. I look forward to seeing devoted supporters of this unique series as well as new faces in the audience on April 13th.
For more information about ITHT events, visit www.irvingtontheater.com.
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