LIFE CAN BE A CABARET

The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center in Waterford is advancing the opinion that "Life is a cabaret" and it is determined to prove it.  From Wednesday, July 31 to Saturday, August 10, you are invited to the proof in the pudding, The O'Neill Cabaret and Performance Conference, led by Artistic Director John McDaniel, will train new cabaret performers, called Fellows, just starting in the business by putting them at the knees of seasoned veterans.  These ten days will be stuffed to the brim with great performances by super star powers.  Cabaret Theater for the 21st century is the goal.

The schedule of programming is entitled "Come Fly with Me" and starts on the 31st at 8 p.m. with an exciting potpourri of everything the conference has to offer and it's free for the taking.  Every night save Monday the entertainment joy continues. On Thursday, August 1 at 8 p.m., Barb Jungr will travel musically from "Stockport to Memphis" in her new show.  "The Music of Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen" will feature Jeff Harnar, Jennifer Sheehan, Nicholas King and Linda Hart singing American classics under the banner "Come Fly with Me"on Friday, August 2 at 8 p.m.  Homage to Patti Lupone will be paid on Saturday, August 3 at 8 p.m. when Ben Rimalower takes the microphone.  Ben grew up singing "all things Patti" and he will share his personal reflections, revisiting his sold-out run in New York City.

On Sunday, August 4 at 8 p.m., cabaret and jazz will be married as the cabaret presents "An Evening with Wesla Whitfield and Mike Greensill."  Donna McKechnie will headline on Tuesday, August 6 at 8 p.m. in "Same Place: Another Time."  This Tony Award winner of "A Chorus Line," will belt out her new show tunes.  The next night Stevie Wonder favorites will be delivered to the stage by the 2013 Junior Cabaret Fellows at 7 p.m., while the following night at 8 p.m. the 2013 Cabaret Fellows will celebrate a wide selection of special songs and stories gleaned from their Master Artist Teachers.

The incredible and incomparable Tommy Tune will highlight the stage on Friday, August 9 at 8 p.m. with "Taps, Tunes and Tall Tales" for your listening pleasure.  On Saturday, August 10 at 8 p.m., plan to attend the Cabaret Grand Finale as the super ending to what will be an amazing week of outstanding performances. 

According to John McDaniel, the new Artistic Director, " I am thrilled to be welcomed to the O'Neill and greatly look forward to my first season this summer.  The Fellows remain an important facet to the Conference and we fully intend to nurture performers in this art form by creating an atmosphere of learning, growth and fun."

For tickets to the Blue Gene's Pub ($35-

50-60), call the O'Neill, 305 Great Neck Road, Waterford at 860-443-1238.

Discover for yourself if life is indeed a cabaret as you witness this unique art form in all its musical splendor.