Who doesn’t love an immersive, family-friendly, holiday cabaret with adult beverages on-hand? I can’t think of a person! With that in mind it is time for the Season’s Greetings Cabaret at the PNC Arts Annex! I had the opportunity to interview one of the stars of the show about the return, Philip Drennen. It went something like this:
Josh: So, you are at it again. Bringing joy and laughter to the PNC Arts Annex. Y’know last year, we had a hoot! What can we expect this year?
Deron Bell
Philip: Well, we are giving you some fun music this season. You will recognize some of the traditional songs in their traditional format, but we always like to ‘soul’ things up with the help of Deron Bell and the Melody Makers. They have that great sound people love.
Josh: I remember! Some of us even got up dancing for a bit. Any of that?
Philip: For sure. You know the way the seating is? This year it is 100% Cabaret Style, you are literally part of the show. It lends itself to more interaction and more fun. I’m sure there will be a couple dancers!
Josh: And Prancers,,,,and Vixens. Anyway. It’s you and Gina Handy again…right? I requested ‘Merry Christmas, Darling’ last year and she KILLED IT! (Yes, you can request!)
Gina Handy
Philip: It is! So, it is Gina, Deron, Daniel and Mark. Just like last year. It’s such a great combination. Gina, once again, has written a song to reflect the theme of the show. That was great fun last year as well. AND, we will have our mailbox where people can request their favorites as we perform! You have any songs you are thinking of asking to hear this year, Josh?
Josh: Ok, so let me say first, I’m interviewing you…and yes, I do! You know that crazy version of ‘Jingle Bells’ Streisand does….I want you, Gina or anyone you can find to do it. It’s so silly, and uplifting! Now, back to the concert. People want specifics. How long is the show? Are there drinks? Snacks? Parking? and of course, how much?
Sleigh Rye’d
Philip: In order…here we go….The show is about 90 minutes in length. We take breaks so people can mingle and grab our signature drink ‘The Sleigh Rye’d!’ Get it…RYE! Whiskey.
Josh: I get it and I’ll get at least one. Thank God for UBER!
Philip: Right! I’m sure they will have little snack items. There is plenty of parking at the Schuster garage. The admission is $25. I really think people will have a ball. We Need a Little Christmas!
Philip Drennen
Josh: I see whatcha did there! All of you are local celebrities. I know that has to be a major draw as well!
Philip: Well, as you know, TheatreLab is my second home these days. Gina has performed with Human Race and runs the Magnolia Theater. Deron and the Melody Makers are selling out the Levitt Pavilion…so yeah, people will recognize at least one of us! And speaking of local, some of the arrangements we are doing come from Springfield native, John Legend!
Josh: Shout-out my hometown!! Hey Springfield! Well, my friend you know I adore you and look forward to the big Cabaret party! Anything else you’d like to share?
Philip: Just so glad things are a lot more normal this year! (We were all masked last year.) I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season. Please, join us for the fun 12/8 – 12/11!
Josh: Thank you Philip! Happiest Holidays!
Details?
The Show Runs 12/8 – 12/11 (Thu-Sun.) with showtimes at 7:30pm. There is one matinee on 12/10 (Sat.) at 2pm.
The show is $25 for adults, $10 for students. It will be performed at the PNC Arts Annex located at 46 W. Second St., Dayton.
Info?? Call 937-228-3630 or visit daytonlive.org
