Plot Twist with Mr. Sahid Pabon
Not Your Typical Cabaret
Winter Park Playhouse • August 21, 2024
by Carl F. Gauze
Perhaps I now know more about Sahid Pabon than any sane man should. For more than an hour, Mr. Pabon spoke of his history, his theatrical triumphs, his loves, his pets, and I think there might have been a few words on his car. It was all a little overwhelming for a cabaret.
Mr. Pabon is a rather exotic fellow with a background in musical theater and a home life in the exotic city of Miami, Florida. I’ve spent a few days there myself, and I do agree you can find anything you want down there, along with a few things best left on the beach to die. Mr. Pabon flew to theaters early in life and went quickly from high school performances to lead roles in various Disney productions. He’s a well-respected artist in theater and has reached that career point where auditions aren’t really needed any more.
The general run time of these fun cabarets is one hour sharp, and while musical director Chris Leavy will let you finish that last bar of music, tonight he looked a little frustrated about the long run time. We did learn a great deal about Mr. Pabon’s collection of small dogs. While cute, they are just a sidelight at best. But that’s the fun of the Cabaret series, you never really know what you are in for until that first glass of wine and hearing Mr. Leavy’s transition from the show tune intro to the opening music for this evening’s show.
It took a second glass of wine, but Mr. Pabon was packed with energy and stories, all flowing from the stage to the back bar. It’s just what you are looking for in light entertainment. ◼
