By Tonya Burton
Carmel Community Players will offer a rollicking Holiday Cabaret this year.
“We have everything you can imagine,” said Artistic Director Perry Hilficker. “It’s for all ages. We have traditional Christmas carols. We have a 13-year-old girl playing jazz piano and singing in the style of Ella Fitzgerald. We have humor – a woman singing about a frog in a hat, and we have seriously talented musicians who will showcase their talents.”
Hilficker directs the four cabarets the theatre group offers during the year, a separate effort from CCP’s dramatic offerings.
“We don’t do a holiday show every year, but it’s always popular and a fun way for the whole family to get into the season. Our refreshments are hot chocolate and eggnog, so it really reflects the festive atmosphere of the production,” she said.
Hilficker has an extensive theatre background, with a degree from Butler University and studies at the London International School of Performing Arts. At CCP, she wears several hats as board secretary, technical director and cabaret artistic director. This year, in addition to the Holiday Cabaret, she will direct a valentine’s cabaret, a glee cabaret and an oldies cabaret (pre-1969).
The local community theater, founded in 1993, is a labor of love, with all productions performed by volunteers. They have been located at Clay Terrace for five years. The theater space is intimate, with only about 100 seats and general seating for each production.
“No matter where you sit, you’re close to the stage,” Hilficker said.
“Holiday Cabaret” ● Carmel Community Playhouse at Clay Terrace Mall ● 14299 Clay Terrace Blvd. Suite 140 ● 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13, 14; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 15 ● Tickets $10 ● For more information, call 815-9387 or visit www.carmelplayers.org.