Rollercoaster: A Cabaret Scream Fest
Rollercoaster: A Cabaret Scream Fest
Starring Michelle Knight
January 16, 2016
Footlights Theatre, Orlando FL
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If Disney tried to sound like a Vegas Show Room this might be the result. From the never-once-dusted disco ball to the ten piece orchestra to the kick-ass drinks at the bar this little show packed a ton of heart and emotion and tears and cheers into one short hour. And when it was over, it kicked us all out on the street to fit it the 10 p.m. drag show. Michelle Knight has sung around town and around the world; her biggest triumph was starring in the recently successful Off Broadway “Disenchanted” written by Orlando’s own “Oops Guys. “Tonight Ms. Knight found herself up on stage, scared but in control. She told stories of preventive mastectomies, cheating lovers, and surgeries that would make a Jewish Mother kvetch, but directed most of her talent into a jazzy big band sounds and a chance to feel like we, too just lost the price of a vacation home at the craps table. She’s joined by her longtime friends Jackie Pressman and Stephanie Christopher; the tunes tend toward Broadway and off Broadway standards. Sideshow’s “I Will Never Leave You” was in there, Songs For a New World offered up “One Small Step” and “Burn” blistered us from the current hot show “Hamilton.” Tales of medical woes and off Broadway near-triumph filled the interstitials; and if you have to lose out to a bigger show, at least it’s a megahit hit and not some lame revival. Big bonus: Ms. Knight baked us all cookies, and they were filled with delicious chocolate and topped with artisanal dried sea salt. All this was good for the ear, the eyes, and the taste buds. And we can all dream that one day, just maybe, someone will hit that Footlights Theatre disco balls with some Windex.
For more information on shows at the Footlights Theater, please visit http://www.parliamenthouse.com/footlight-theatre/
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