Here's another take on the recent discussions we have had here in the newsletter and on the blog regarding the state of cabaret, sent in by a subscriber:
"I thought it was interesting your comments about emails you have been getting as to why cabaret has been struggling. One of the things I find so interesting is why people need to find blame as to why they are not successful. I go and see many cabaret acts and am so disappointed in what I see and it is so expensive. I see a lot of "Performing" and not a whole lot of real emotional connection with us, the audience. When I see people really trying to learn to connect, it makes me want to cheer them on. I appreciate the Julie Wilsons, Marilyn Mayes, Barbara Cooks, Lee Roy Reams and others of that ilk because they really connect and communicate to the audience, so much more than just ego. I want to be deeply moved and laugh hard."
Another reader commented on the quality of service and (for some venues) the quality of ambiance - likening one club's facilities to a school lunch room. Ambiance is a tough call, since most club owners are trying to keep their costs down, but good service should be a given - it doesn't cost a penny more. My own experience lately has been the seemingly high turnover of staff in many of the clubs. Hopefully, since most cabaret staff members are also performers, this means that the waiters and bartenders have gotten gigs in musicals, on cruise ships and in touring companies of Broadway shows. But I have noticed drinks are now often being served during serious moments in the show, where the waiters used to "wait" until the ballad was over - and then drop off drinks during the applause. This could be a lack of training, or it could be thoughtlessness.
And then there is the "disappearing waiter" act, usually about 3/4 into the show, where the staff disappears - sometimes to tally all the bills for the show, sometimes just to chat or have a smoke. Heaven help anyone who tips over a drink with no staff person around to come to the rescue with a towel or some napkins. I personally think - simply for safety sake - one staff member other than the lighting techie should be in the cabaret room during the show at all times. A few weeks ago I was at a show that ended and no one was around to bring the bills. Fortunately thanks to the honesty of the cabaret audience, no one left without paying. Even worse is the habit in some rooms to hand out the bills during the last song, and then attempting to collect payment before the show has even ended. Perhaps we could call Maggie Cullen out of retirement to open a school for cabaret wait staff!
