SEATTLE -- Ask any inveterate Seattle theatre-goer if they know what Hedda Gabler or Cat On A Hot Tin Roof is about and they might be able to tell you. But if you ask them to hum a tune from Waiter, There's A Slug In My Latte they'll oblige instantly with a refrain from "Slug Sushi" or "Monorail-Train To Nowhere."
This may be overstating a bit, but in the 1990's there hasn't been a show in Seattle (excepting The Seattle Rep's Christmas Carol) performed or revived as often as Waiter, created for and produced by the Cabaret de Paris, now in entering its tenth anniversary season. Waiter may served its last table (for now), but the zaniness continues with the first show of 1998, Lounge Lizards, described as "A multi- character musical pastiche to the dinner-theatre" and performed by comic singer/actors Kevin Kent and Sandra Singler.
Lounge Lizards is set in a little piano bar just off the beaten path, featuring such regulars as the frenetic Bride-To-Be, the Spice Girl's Mothers, a Hollywood star wannabe and the Beauty contestant whose talent is synchronized swimming. Singler, known for her recent turn as Adelaide in Village Theatre's Guys & Dolls, was last seen at CDP in Doctors and Diseases. Kent is making his CDP debut, but is widely familiar to fans of last summer's smash Sister Windy - My Life As Art at Re-bar, and in the holiday hit Son of Ham For The Holidays. They are accompanied by Benet (Ben) Fleck, who has composed original scores for many Seattle area theatre productions.
Cabaret de Paris, located in the Crepes de Paris restaurant in downtown Seattle was founded by on-going artistic director David Koch, who directs Lounge Lizards, and has presented more than 45 new musical revues since its inception. Koch promises a season that blends stylish vocalists with campy comedy, and will be announcing the full season's slate shortly.
The Cabaret de Paris at the Crepe de Paris Restaurant offers a three course gourmet dinner and show package for $40 (not including tax and tip), and is located on the second level of Rainier Square, 1333 5th Avenue (at Union). For reservations call (206)623-4111. -- By David-Edward Hughes
Seattle Correspondent
