Cabaret and all that jazz

Lewinsky once more interrupts proceedings

There are talented people all around. Maybe they don't stand out in math class or the mailroom, but given a chance they shine. Friday's cabaret, sponsored by Oberlin Student Theatre Association (OSTA), Oberlin Musical Theatre Association (OMTA) and Vibe, was a chance to see that hidden talent. It was a night for everyone who has ever wanted to perform - and even a few veterans - to take the stage.

The night took off with double-degree fourth year Renato Estacio's performance of "Let Me Entertain You," accompanied by a humorously suggestive dance.

Musically the audience heard everything from traditional show tunes from "All That Jazz," sung by sophomore Julie Hillman, to something a little more wacky with a duet called "My Little Girl" performed by senior Jeremy Ellison-Gladstone and college junior Greg Pierce. In this number, Ellison-Gladstone sang very well while Pierce actively mimed the song in a black, shiny unitard - a particularly entertaining sight for all. The audience was also given a small dose of the 80s with a rendition of "Walking on Sunshine" performed by junior Nanette Lacuesta.

Singing wasn't the only form of entertainment at the cabaret. Not only did Vibe perform both a jazz and a tap number, but Primitive Streak made an appearance with their fabulous rendition of "The Humpty Dance." There was also juggling by double-degree junior Evan Malsbury accompanied by fun carnival music played by junior Greg Ristow. And sophomore Casey Pickett did a great one-man Romeo and Juliet. But to mention all of the high points of this evening would be impossible - there were simply too many.

The show was hosted and held together by senior Matt Baxter, one of the funniest guys around. Coupled with Ristow on piano the two were an excellent choice by cabaret organizers.

The evening did have a few minor set backs however. The first was a small speed bump really. Professor of Theater Roger Copeland performed a monologue entitled "There's Something About Monica." The subject was, you guessed it, the Monica Lewinsky scandal. The piece was interesting, although a bit graphic in parts. The real drawback was the placement and timing of it. It seeemed out of place among the other cabaret pieces and the audience seems uncomfortable with the performace. Despite the awkwardness of the piece was very stimulating (pardon the pun) in that it presented the scandal from Ken Starr's point of view and made him into this sex-crazed maniac. But perhaps this particular venue was not the time nor the place for such a statement to be made.

The next set-back was a little harder to deal with. The general assumption about cabarets is that they are compilations of short, entertaining pieces. The second to last piece was performed by senior Aaron Schmookler and was anything but short.

The idea for the piece was innovative. The basic premise was that before the show he passed out index cards with a question on them to the audience. The audience answered them honestly and then returned the cards to Schmookler. Armed with insights into his audience's lives, Schmookler would then stand up and present the life of the audience in a funny narrative form.

The problem was that Schmookler began talking and just didn't stop. The audience at first was receptive and laughing. But as the minutes slipped away people began getting restless and after 25 minutes it became clear he had no intention of stopping any time soon. People began to leave. Baxter and Ristow saved the day; usurping the stage away from Schmookler.One can applaud Schmookler's initial idea, but the execution was completely ineffective.

This was a tough act to follow; the audience was restless and a bit angry that the show had gone on for so long. It was Friday night after all. But sophomore Sarah Wolfman-Robichaud finished the night wonderfully with the song "Some People." She jumped right in with all the energy she had and saved the night from ending on a sour note.

Despite minor details the cabaret was an enormous success. Little Theater was packed, the audience laughed and fun was had by all.