Cabaret Lulu's "The Bright Lights of Broadway" by dottie Willey
Wednesday, July 24, 2013 we left the Center bright and early at 8:30am departing for lunch and the theatre at Old Sturbridge Village, MA. It was a lovely scenic two hour ride through the Berkshire Mountains to our quaint destination.
We were warmly welcomed at the historical Oliver Wright Tavern for lunch. Delicious, warm homemade rolls and homemade butter were served along with the tomato bisque soup DuJour. I relished the roasted chicken entrée as others at my table raved about the delicious salmon. As we dined, our guest starlet, Lucille Gould, known as Cabaret Lulu and her co-host, Robert Aberdeen visited each table. Coffee and tea were served by a diligent wait stall as we enjoyed scrumptious apple crisp with ice cream.
Several of our group visited the historic Old Sturbridge Village, 200 acre historical landscape, recreating life in rural New England over 175 years ago. We went into the nearby theatre for a most enjoyable performance directly from the heart of Broadway. The performances were indeed a celebration of the 50's, 60's and 70's and days gone by. The talented and ambitious Cabaret Lulu co-creates and produces a variety of many musical, entertaining productions.
Not only did Cheryl Alexander and Roumel Reaux supply countless Broadway Golden Oldies, but their counterpart Robert Aberdeen not only displayed his musical talents but thoroughly supplied extraordinary acts for our enjoyment. His Magic Maestro program humorously included illusions, audience participation, juggling with metal rings, and pulling scarves of different hues with cleverness and surprises. The highlight of his act included our own Ned Johnson and a woman from another senior group, performing a Comedy act. Each time Mr. Aberdeen squeezed their hand they only had to open and close their mouths. What a talented puppet you are, President Ned. Your cleverness to adlib surely stole the entire performance. Keep it up and we'll vote you in for the Tony Awards.
We are grateful to our coach driver, Bob for bringing us safely to our destination and back. Special gratitude to our fantastic tour guides: Betty, Anne and Sue. It indeed was a memorable and most enjoyable Summer highlight.
Mac-haydn theatre "The best little whorehouse in Texas" by Dottie Willey
We left the Center at 10:30 am on Wednesday, August 14, 2013 with Wade bus driver Peter taking us to Chatham, NY. We once again were cordially greeted at the Whitestone Restaurant for a marvelous lunch buffet including tender sliced roast beef with all the gravy and fixings. The delightful buffet included chicken, fish, eggplant parmesan and fresh cut fruit. The diligent staff of waitresses not only supplied several baskets of hot rolls but also coffee, teas and soda. The numerous homemade desserts were delicious and plentiful. My only concern was that there just wasn't enough room for the ice cream sundae with all those scrumptious toppings.
By 2:00 pm the doors of the Mac-Haydn Theatre opened with excellent seating for the hilarious musical comedy, "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" based on a story by Larry King. Carol Hill did a spectacular job with the music and the lyrics for this enjoyable performance,
The first scene takes place at the Chicken Ranch in Gilbert, TX, that has been an "institution" for as long as anyone can remember, frequented by townsmen, The Aggie boys, and well-known faces alike. Miss Mona is in charge and she keeps her girls in line, while caring deeply for each one of them.
It was intriguing how rapidly and efficiently the crew and actors switched the scenes of this production from the Chicken Ranch to the TV studio, the Café, the football game, the College locker room, the Sheriff's office intermittently with the Chicken Ranch as the lights went out for changes and immediately came right back on with the new scene in perfect order without a slip.
The story continues as the popular "Pleasure Palace" is threatened by the over-zealous televangelist, Melvin Thorpe who is stirring up the public to close the notorious house of ill-repute. Sheriff Earl had done his best to keep Miss Mona in business. Despite the popularity of the Chicken Ranch, Thorpe prevails. Miss Mona and the girls are forced to move on to where life may take them next.
Thank you Betty, Anne & Sue for providing us with a hilarious afternoon of comedy, songs and delightful dance.
