SEATTLE -- Those with a nostalgic longing for puka-shell necklaces, The Brady Bunch and 8-track tapes need look no further than Cabaret de Paris' newest offering, The Carpeters--Uncomfortably Close to You. Sub-titled "A Musical Mockumentary," the production runs Apr. 9 - May 30, with showtimes at 8 PM on Thursdays, 8:30 PM Fridays and Saturdays.
Musical-comedy brother and sister team David and Lisa Koch along with actress and comedienne Kit Harris, musical director Bruce Hurlbut and drummer Auston James bring to life the story of legendary, yet forgotten, 70's duo: The Carpeters. Audiences will hear their music and visit the private lives of Carol and Dickey Carpeter, from their humble beginnings working in their parents carpet store to their dizzying rise to pop stardom and their eventual fall from fame. David Koch also promises that unlike the real tragedy that befell Karen Carpenter, Carol's dark secret will be as light-hearted as the rest of the show.
David Koch has been performing and directing in Seattle theatres since 1978. From 1983-87 he directed over 15 new musicals for ACT Theatre's Songworks program. In 1989 he created the Cabaret de Paris in downtown Seattle where he has produced and directed over 40 productions. As a performer, he has appeared in the title role in The Nerd at Pioneer Square Theatre, Marvin in ACT's production of March of the Falsettos and Brad in The Rocky Horror Show at The Empty Space, as well as Cabaret de Paris hits such as Waiter, There's a Slug in My Latte, Doctors and Diseases, and World's Fair Cruise.
His sister Lisa Koch has co-written and appeared in many Cabaret de Paris shows, including the Bouffants trilogy, Dweeb Tales, and most popularly as Wynotta Spudd in several shows including A Spudd Family Christmas and Chicken Fried Spudds, featuring another mock-musical duo, mother and daughter act The Spudds, with her sketch comedy co-star, comediene Peggy Platt.
The Cabaret de Paris offers a three-course gourmet dinner and show package for $40.00 (does not include tax, gratuity and beverages). Dinner patrons are advised to arrive at least an hour before show time. Show only tickets are available for $16.00 by calling the day of the show. All performances are at the Crepe de Paris restaurant in downtown Seattle, The Crepe de Paris Restaurant is located on the second level of Rainier Square, 1333 5th Avenue (at Union). For reservations call (206) 623-4111.
--David-Edward Hughes
Seattle Correspondant
