Theatre Review: ACT’s A Country Christmas Cabaret

The American Cabaret Theatre is current presenting a Country Christmas Cabaret…or what should be titled a COUNTRY christmas Cabaret. I enjoyed myself at this production but the show was unbalanced. I would have enjoyed more Christmas music, and lord knows there are plenty of Country music recordings of Christmas standards.

I would also say that this show could have been cut down. A cabaret show that runs longer than 2 hours is a bit long, and it felt that way. Of course the show started with one of my biggest pet peeves: the dreaded curtain speech. I have said it before, and I won’t change my mind: curtain speeches are only necessary if you are in the middle of a capital campaign, let your house staff dispense information, and if you can’t just prerecord something.

The cast was comprised of Diane Tsao Boehm, Peggy Chambers, Dave Ruark, Tobin Strader, Whitney Thetford, Karlton D. Turner and Claire Wilcher. A fine ensemble with Thetford as a standout. Another standout that should be mentioned is Russell Eldridge. His clogging was a nice break from the singing. Production values (lights, set and costumes) were nice.

Final analysis: at around $20 it was well worth the entertainment dollar, I just needed a little more Christmas. ACT’s a Country Christmas Cabaret runs through December 21st. Ticket prices range from $15-$20. For tickets call 317-631-0334 or visit the ACT Box Office at 401 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis.