The show was a collection of performers that HAD to be at least 50 years old…IF not older!
The hostesses of the show were Karen McCarty and Deborah Kaufman.
Of course the IDEA for this foolish evenings festivities came from the mind of Jan Greenfield. (over 50 too!)
I had a chance to get to the theatre early and take a portrait of the hostesses.
Deborah Kaufman and Karen McCarty Host the Cabaret
They get the show on the road by dancing a number together to rev up the audience spirits.
Are you ready for the show to begin?
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First to start the show is Hilary Chaplain with her delightfully demented piece THE DIVA.
Uh Oh…What show must go on?
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GORK (Michael Getlan) the stage hand helps clean up the roses.
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The next act to appear in the cabaret comes from the wilds of Finland.
LILI’s HAIR AND BEAUTY PARLOR
Lily Sukula-Lindblom and audience member Bryce Kasson.
Innocent audience member gets her ‘makeover’ and responds!
The Final Picture for Hair and Beauty Parlor
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The ‘oldest mime in the world’ is Richmond Shepard. He was there and performed a few comic mime pieces.
Comical stories with nice funny mimetic touches.
Richmond was an inspiration for many mime performers to follow.
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The show was not without disturbances. An act titled ‘Clifton’s Senior Moment’ turned out to be an impostor.
John Leo tried to get in on the show’s action but got pulled off soon.
Out you go impostor. Stay out of here!
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THE HOLE
Next up was the piece featuring Nancy Smithner(c), Therese Schorn (r) and Bernie Kramer(l).
It was a strange piece to say the least!
The young girl is being scolded by the grandmother for misbehaving.
After climbing down a ladder into ‘the hole’ they put on mask and play. They also pull out their tails.(?)
After playing they climb out of ‘the hole’ and back to the drawing room. Grandma reads them the bible.
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WILL SHAW sings ‘This Old Man’.
Very unique discussion of the lyrics during the song! lol
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JULIE GOELL performs ‘Feminity Tonight’.
Preparing a nice facial using uncommon ingredients.
A little egg on the nose is always good for the overall appearance.
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VASES with David Sharps
Not only is David an accomplished juggler and performer he also happens to be a captain of a sea vessel.
Karen and Deborah with signs.
David manipulates the small vase.
David with the very heavy and large chinese vase.
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BERNARD KRAMER performs “My Way”.
Singing Frank Sinatra’s MY WAY as he proceeded to visually portray his ideas about his ‘way’.
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Mildred and Foo Foo
Here we had another example of a performer trying to ‘get in’ to the show even though he wasn’t qualified. (not 50+)
John Leo was remarkable in his never ending attempts to perform in the show.
(and his never ending array of wild and funny characters! Thanks for the hilarity JOHN)
The gig is over. They found out who you really are John Leo!
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THE AMAZING ZAKAHHR
featuring Michael Christensen
Michael has had a long revered career in the NY circus scene. Having performed in Europe with the one-ring circus’ he and juggling partner Paul Binder came back to NY in 1977 and created the BIG APPLE CIRCUS. Michael also created in 1986 the Big Apple Circus Clown Care Unit. One of the first season’s of the BAC Michael performed his new act with his new character The Amazing Zakahhr.
Now many odd years later he shows us again his wonderfully creative and off beat mind in action.
“Carnavorium bloodius maximus, the Latin name of one of the most remarkable and vicious creatures of the animal kingdom, the Long Haired, Silverback, Soldier Mole! The Soldier Mole, capable of burrowing through solid granite, having no known predators, this mole reigns supreme in the vast arid wastelands of the middle east.
Ladies and gentlemen, for your safety please remain seated!
We now present
The Amazing Zakahrr
And his trained Soldier Mole, Githha!”
Karen and Deborah help Zakahhr get curtain away for the entrance of his trained mole.
His head to the ground to hear the rumblings of his trained mole.
Exasperated by the effort to keep the trained mole from causing havoc on stage.
His arm under the carpet means only one thing. He is performing the finale ‘grip of death’!
(he is taking a huge chance not to have his hand chewed off by the mole Githha)
With a hand bloodied he comes out from beneath the rug ‘alive’.
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Final Curtain Call. All of the performers are ready for bed!
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