GUMBO CABARET

Sat. & Sun., Oct. 11 & 12.  GUMBO CABARET.  “Worthy” “cabaret” does indeed flourish in areas of the country other than New York City and Los Angeles, and “cross pollination” benefits all, while in-breeding leads to stagnation or worse.

In May, a group of Gardenians were treated to an exceptional show brought from “Away,”—actually, from New Orleans—in the form of “Gumbo Cabaret,” comprised of Kelly Dixson, Rebeca Leigh, and Harry Mayronne, who weaved traditional and New Orleans jazz together with the Great American Songbook and contemporary pop to bring a taste of The Big Easy” to Los Angeles.  (Included in their offerings, for example, was “The Oldest Profession,” (Cy Coleman and Ira Gasman, from The Life,—rarely heard in L.A.,)  sung by Kelly Dixson with a power and intention that would have made Lillias White proud.)  Supplemented with an appearance by a Tennessee Williams marionette, their show introduced fresh material generally overlooked in the L.A. cabaret scene.  This group deserves national recognition and underscores the idea that exceptional talent can be found in the most insular of places…“exposure” is the key to discovering it.  This repeat booking bestows the joy of discovery onto a wider audience.