Cabaret Theatre readies for Sidney appearance

Not everything has gone smoothly as the Omaha group Cabaret Theatre prepares for their April 12 show in Sidney.

"We're doing a new arrangement of 'Moonglow' that's tough," said singer Becky Noble. "It's kicking us."

The version they selected for Sidney's audience demands inch-perfect harmonies. But the group doesn't mind shaking up their routine, even though they've performed together as Cabaret Theatre since 1991 and three vocalists-alto Noble, soprano Camille Metoyer-Moten and bass Paul Tranisa-started singing together as kids back in the 1970s.

Cabaret Theatre closes out the High Plains Arts Council's concert series with the April 12 show at Sidney High School. The group of four singers and a pianist plan a mix of standards, popular jazz and show tunes.

"All four of us have a strong stage background," Noble said, explaining such favorites as "Send in the Clowns," "If I Were A Rich Man," and other selections from Broadway past and present.

Noble, Metoyer-Moten and Tranisa, along with tenor Keith Allerton and pianist Pete Hall, branch from there into a rousing rendition of "Blue Skies" and a jazzy "Route 66"-Americana backed by the power of voice. The style suits Noble, who grew up listening with her mother to Ella Fitzgerald.

Yet, she points out, "we really like some of the contemporary songs."

Indeed, the band's experience with musical plays allows them to delve into unique arrangements, modernized twists and other artistic shifts without damaging the soul of a classic.

"There are a lot of songs we really like," she said.

Of course, every singer and every band considers at least one lyric cringe-worthy. For many, it is something they hear over and over.

"Most music directors really hate 'Tomorrow' from Annie," Noble said.

When children audition for a play, "Tomorrow" is one of their preferred songs. Those judging the performances hear it over and over. They learn to expect it and, thus, cannot bear to listen to the song outside of the professional realm.

"That's a universal feeling," she added.

Cabaret Theatre is unlikely to perform the song in Sidney. But for their third visit to town, they have a show lined up drawing on everything from Guys and Dolls to the rich sound of jazz to the spirit of the nation's great band era.

Still, they refuse to yield completely to tradition, adapting new arrangements of great tunes-which leaves them struggling with "Moonglow" with just over a week to go before they hit the stage at Sidney High School.

"That's taking most of our time," she said. "You really have to have confidence."