Lauren Roberts, The Darkroom Photography
Bienvenue!
Performers from Savannah-based troupe Stardust Pixxies will treat guests to a memorable show of song, dance, comedy and poetry styled after entertainment provided by famed Paris cabarets like Le Chat Noir.
Nearly 150 years ago in the bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre, Paris, theatrical agent and entrepreneur Rodolphe Salis embraced the art of storytelling in a different way. By establishing what was initially called “Le Cabaret Artistique,” he began a culture in which musicians, writers, poets, and dancers would gather to discuss their ideas and works over food and drinks. The city’s wealthy and famous mingled with the bohemians and artists of the neighborhood and the Pigalle over evening meals with entertainment that combined music, stories, poetry, and comedy with political commentary. Salis hosted these social soirées in a small club called Le Chat Noir and began each show with a monologue joking about current events. By 1896, there were more than 50 cabarets and cafes with music in Paris and approximately a dozen music halls, which hosted more lavish and theatrical productions with elaborate costumes, singing, and dancing. The Moulin Rouge, the Olympia, the Alhambra, and the summer-only outdoor venue of Printania were some of the best-known examples of these music halls featuring what we would now call cabaret-style acts. It is the spirit of these Parisian clubs and performance halls that the Coastal Symphony of Georgia seeks to evoke for this year’s signature fundraiser, Cabaret de Paris.
They have planned a grand soirée of glamour, extravagance, and enchantment to take place at Frederica Golf Club on February 23 at 6:00 p.m. You are invited to embrace your inner bon vivant and channel the chic style of Chanel by attending in sophisticated attire. Whether donning a dashing suit, a glamorous gown, or a fabulous fashion statement that is uniquely your own, you’ll want to dress to impress for this elegant event. In the style of the original Parisian cabaret artistique, dinner will be accompanied by entertainment that includes singing, dancing, poetry, and comedic performances. The audience will be treated to an original, full production show and true Cabaret experience presented by the Savannah-based Stardust Pixxies with dancing, favorite French songs as well as tunes in English, with comedy and poetry interspersed throughout.
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Lauren Roberts, The Darkroom Photography
Auction Items Incroyable!
Deborah Wright, Susan Garrett, and Janice Lamattina are thrilled to show off one of the evening’s auction items. This original 1890s Cachou Lajaunie poster from France advertises tiny licorice-based candies still made in Toulouse, where they were invented by pharmacist Leon Lajaunie in 1890. A certificate of authenticity is included.
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Lauren Roberts, The Darkroom Photography
Dinner and a Show
Chad Goehring, Drew Holland, and Chris Bone discuss the finer points of French wines and cuisine with one of the cabaret performers as they anticipate the three-course dinner that will be served.
A cocktail reception will precede the three-course gourmet dinner featuring French cuisine that will have you wondering if you’re actually sitting in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. The unique items and experiences included in the evening’s live and silent auctions are sure to stir up bidding as energetic as the traffic on the Champs-Élysée. Perhaps a 7-night stay in Italy for four people, with 11 different homes to choose from, and the option for additional guests, private driver/tour expert/in-home chef will entice you. Or maybe you’d like to have a custom 20” wall portrait on canvas painted by world-renowned portrait artist Bradford, either in New York City or Miami with one night luxury hotel stay included. If you’d prefer to stay close to home, there’s a Savannah overnight package that includes four hard-to-acquire tickets to a highly entertaining Savannah Bananas baseball circus extravaganza, dinner at special restaurant, and stay at a Marriot Hotel. Experiences with local chefs are also among the attractive offerings: a four-course dinner party for six with Dave Snyder cooking in your home, a pie-making class for up to six people with Ryanne Carrier at Dulce Dough, or dinner for four with wine in the kitchen with Dave Carrier at his new restaurant, Woodside Grill. These are just a handful of the phenomenal auction items that have been assembled by the dedicated Cabaret committee members who are all working hard behind the scenes to make this a successful event and memorable evening for all who attend.
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Lauren Roberts, The Darkroom Photography
Paris Meets Piano
Cabaret committee and Symphony members are ready for an unforgettable evening at Frederica Golf Club. Standing, Al & Susan Garrett, Deborah & David Wright; seated, Sue Cansler, Chad Goehring.
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Lauren Roberts, The Darkroom Photography
Ready to Sing Along
Kern Baker, Janice Lamattina, and Jane Baker practice their pronunciation as they get ready to sing along with some popular French cabaret tunes. Alouette, anyone?
For 19 years, Cabaret has been the signature fundraiser for The Coastal Symphony of Georgia. Music plays a vital role in defining a community’s robust cultural arts scene. Your support of Cabaret 2024 will help ensure their ability to continue to enrich the Golden Isles and Keep the Music Playing. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.org. To register and bid on items in the online auction (open to everyone - you do not need to attend event - click HERE)
Photos by Lauren Roberts, The Darkroom Photography
