Cabaret to feature variety of entertainment acts

Students and faculty plan to contribute music, dance and comedy to a show that takes its name from a cabaret theater in New York City.

“Don’t Tell Mama,” sponsored by the Carolina Union Activities Board, runs at 8 p.m. today and Saturday in the Cabaret Theater of the Student Union.

The show was envisioned by director and host Meghan Gambling, a senior communications major and chairwoman of CUAB’s drama committee.

Admission is free, and the audience will be treated to catered cheesecake during the intermission.

Gambling began developing her idea in the fall and visited the Manhattan cabaret Don’t Tell Mama in January.

She gathered 11 acts through recruitment and auditions that were open to all students. Performances include a tap dancer, a stand-up comedian and the local acoustic rock band Sweater Weather.

“I wanted to give people the opportunity to perform in something that isn’t produced by a particular department, and I wanted to include those who aren’t performance majors,” Gambling said.

Among the performers will be two-time Emmy Award-winner Joan Darling and her husband, screenwriter and playwright Bill Svanoe.

Both are entertainment veterans and visiting professors for stage and screen program. The program is a collaboration of the communication studies, dramatic art and creative writing departments.

Alumna Libby Jeter, one of Darling’s students, will reprise her role in the recent production of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues.”

“Ensler’s monologue stands well on its own and should fit in well in the ballsy context of a cabaret-styled show,” Jeter said.

CUAB President Claire Anderson said the show exemplifies the best of the Student Union.

“It’s a great opportunity to see what the Union is all about — faculty and students living, playing and working together.”

An accompanist will be featured throughout the show and will tie the thematically diverse pieces together.

The Cabaret Theater will be decorated for a classically cabaret atmosphere in a silver and purple color scheme, Gambling said.

Senior Geri Borger will be one of the students performing in the unique atmosphere, doing two dance numbers that are mostly improvised.

“Shows like this one walk a fine line and can sometimes seem like a high school talent show,” she said. “But because of the variety and amazing talent of the performers, who are perfecting their craft, this will be really special.

“If you want to get a start to your night, this will definitely put you in a good mood and lift your spirits. I am proud to be a part of such an energetic show.”

Contact the A&E Editor at artsdesk@unc.edu.