Cabaret for Life Inc. will present an evening of song and dance celebrating the lyrics of Ira Gershwin on July 25, 26, 31, and Aug. 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Mike Doolans, Spring Lake.
From the dance music of the 1920s to the ballads of the 1930s, the songs of George Gershwin form the mainstay of this evening of standards, all to lyrics of his brother, Ira. The event also will feature music of other Broadway composers, including Harold Arlen, Jerome Kern, Kurt Weill, Burton Lane and Vernon Duke, all of whom collaborated with Ira Gershwin during his long career.
"Fascinatin’ Ira," an original revue written by Cabaret for Life, will feature 25 singers and dancers in a two-act show directed and choreographed by Jose de la Cuesta, a New York-based professional, with musical direction by Felix Truex, Ocean Grove, and Phil Maue, Spring Lake.
Sets are designed by John Rodriguez, Howell, with the costumes designed by Fred Mayo, Ocean Grove, and Debbie Thime, Old Bridge. The children’s ensemble is being choreographed by Susan Marrazzo of Middletown.
The cast includes local residents Maggie Carolan-Rodriguez of Howell, Jay Cassacove of Marlboro, Jessica Vaccarro of Freehold, and Dawn Durko and Beth Willits, of Jackson.
All CFL productions benefit AIDS and cancer groups in the shore area. In May, CFL donated $8,000 to The Center in Asbury Park Inc., and Jersey Shore Pediatric AIDS, which were the proceeds from their winter show, according to a press release.
The ticket donation is $50 per person and includes a four-course dinner and the two-act cabaret show. Reservations are recommended. For more information or to make reservations, call toll free at (877) CFL-TKTS (235-8587) or locally at (732) 922-6390.