The Spotlight Cabaret Series Presents: Candace Neil
The Spotlight Cabaret Series Presents: Candace Neil
Musical direction by Chris Leavy
November 6, 2013
Winter Park Play House, Winter Park FL</strong>
For a minute there I was worried – would this really be an hour of Candice scatting movie theme songs? I admit the James Bond theme was sort of interesting, and the theme from the Godfather was a unique interpretation but if she gotten as far as “Tron” or “The Devil Wore Prada” I’d have been completely lost. Good thing she switched over to well know show tunes that bring out the memories of lost Broadway glory. That and a few mandatory drinks and we were off on another fun evening: “Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head” came from the old anti-hero outlaw movie “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”. I remember both the film and the song but forgot how that semi-sad song fit into the 1970’s nihilism of the film. “Hostess with the Mostess” came from the now rarely done “Call Me Madam,” it was well received as was “Making Whopee” and the mandatory slut number “My Heart Belongs to Daddy”. Ms. Neil’s hubby Tim Pappas appeared for a few TV theme songs, in my life they’ve gone from exciting to trite to quaint and now you can date peoples’ birthdays to which of those themes they can accurately sing along to. Another interesting guest appeared; Faith Boles joined in for the duet “Whatever Happened ot Class?” from “Chicago.” It’s cynical and touching, sort of like a car salesman complaining about needing a new dishwasher as he adds the price of floor mats to your financing package. The hour went quickly, and the finale was a rousing “Nine to Five”, it’s the sort of song that’s just positive enough to get you out of bed and into work, but anything beyond that is up to your supervisor. That’s why we go to cabarets on week nights.
For more information on Winter Park Playhouse, please visit http://www.winterparkplayhouse.org
