Presented by DANCESynergy in Aptos
Frank Duncan, Founder and Artistic Director of DANCESynergy in Aptos, is gearing up for the company’s 7th annual cabaret musical revue. Duncan has dedicated himself to injecting Santa Cruz with the razzle-dazzle sass and spice of musical theatre entertaining sold out houses for the past several years.
This year Cabaret by the Bay Productions Presents “It’s Santa Cruz Tonight!” a fun and entertaining multi-media pageant of song and dance highlighting Santa Cruz’s history and diverse cultures, hosted by the county’s first celebrated tourist; President Theodore Roosevelt.
The show, created by Producer Frank Duncan and Director Mary Saxon, starts with Theodore Roosevelt’s landmark visit to Santa Cruz in 1903 at the invitation of Fred Swanton. Swanton was the mastermind behind creating a West Coast Coney Island, establishing the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk. Every newspaper in the country chronicled Roosevelt’s visit to Santa Cruz and instantly ignited national tourist attraction to the “floral gem by sapphire bay” seaside town.
Edwardian duets, Ragtime melodies, Isadora Duncan nymphs, lumberjacks, carnival freaks, Roaring 20s’ Bathing Beauty contestants, depression ballads, dance marathons, Italian vamps, anti-war protests, tapping fruit, surfers, wine tasting, sailing and, of course, big Broadway dance numbers, are all part of the extravaganza celebrating the “restless paradise” of Santa Cruz.
The 12 person troupe will sing and dance to well known show and pop tunes as well as original archived songs written about Santa Cruz, including “Standing Tall with Roosevelt” composed in honor of the President’s visit to the redwoods and his passion to preserve them.
The principal performers are visiting Los Angeles actors Bruce Daniels and Carissa Gipprich along with locals Frank Duncan and David Jackson. Peggy Knorr, choreographer and dance captain, heads up the sensational cabaret dancers; Courtney Barrett, Allison Brooks, Liz Donitini, Cheryl Keenan, Tracey Murphy, Lorena Russo and Carrie Zar. Courtney Barrett returns as the show’s Costume Designer extraordinaire, recreating fashions from the past century.
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“It’s Santa Cruz Tonight!”
A musical revue in the Cabaret Style presented by DANCESynergy Dance Studio; 9055 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 95003 Free Parking
Two Weekends Only – Fridays November 8 & 15 at 7:30 pm • Saturdays November 9 & 16 at 6:00 pm & 8:30 pm • Sunday November 10 at 2:30 pm & 6:00 pm
TICKETS: Reservations are required for all 8 performances $40 for show $30 for Seniors – Matinee only. Wine & cheese included in ticket price
For reservations, call (831) 359-1630. For tickets online: www.dance-synergy.com