Dramatizing ‘Divas’

Caberet queens draw on seasonal inspiration

By Willona M. Sloan

Courtesy of Signature Theatre

As part of Arlington’s Signature Theatre’s robust cabaret series, the stars of “December Divas” are mixing up holiday favorites with contemporary hits Dec. 17 through 20.

Matt Gardiner, who is directing the program, promises an experience featuring some of the most talented women in D.C. singing their favorite holiday-themed music. The ladies bring a new twist to classics, drawing inspiration from the holiday recordings of “everyone from Judy Garland and the Andrew Sisters to Mariah Carey,” he said. The show was created with a broad demographic in mind. “This holiday program is meant for everyone, not just those who celebrate Christmas, but anyone who loves the holiday season,” Gardiner said. “It will be an evening of shared holiday memories and powerful voices belting out extraordinary and unusual holiday songs.”

The “December Divas” program continues an ongoing tradition of innovative and off-the-beaten-path cabaret performances at the theater. Next season, Signature aims to explore “lost musical-theater gems from 1940 to 1950” with works by Michael John LaChiusa and D.C. composer Matthew Conner.

For details about the cabaret season, see www.sig-online.org/cabaret_season.htm.

(December 2008)

Tags: caberet, Entertainment, Lights, Signature Theatre