Picayune-On-Stage is ending women’s history month with a tribute to some of the biggest Broadway characters in history.
“Divas, Dames and Darlings” cabaret will be performed at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall Saturday at 7 p.m.
The performance will feature members of the Picayune-On-Stage cast as well as special guests Claudia D’Aquin and her
accompanist Dr. Dale Norris, both of New Orleans.
Women of all ages have performed some of the greatest moments in Broadway’s history, Picayune-On-Stage board member Deborah Craig said. So this year, the group decided to honor those groundbreaking women in cabaret form, she said.
D’Aquin will perform pieces from hit shows like Cats, The Wizard of Oz and Sound of Music.
Other performers include Averi Barnes, a student at Pearl River Central Middle School, who will sing songs from Annie and Peter Pan, Craig said. Also set to make appearances on stage are Sarrah Willhite, Anthony Leonard, Laura Ewald, Craig, Caitlin Palmer, the reigning Miss Senior Mississippi Trina Schelton, ZyQuona McGill and Geri Lisotta.
The mistresses of ceremonies will be Gladys and Bonnie Hughes, Craig said. The cost to attend is $10 per person, with proceeds going toward construction of a new 100-seat theater at the organization’s current rehearsal space on Virginia Avenue.
Craig said the group has lacked its own stage for the past 15 years and aims to raise $60,000 to $70,000 to expand the facility.
This summer, the group will perform two children’s shows at Roseland Park Elementary in the new multi-purpose building, Craig said.
General auditions will be held in late May or early June, she said.
The group’s next dinner theater performance at Hide-A-Way Lake Lodge will be Savannah Sipping Society the weekend of June 23, Craig said.
“Broadway is our showcase for great theater,” Craig said.
Whether the audience enjoys theater or music, Craig said she hopes everyone comes out to support and experience the show.
Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Tickets can be bought in advance at Family Furniture, located at 3395 Highway 11, or at the door. A buffet of deserts, beverages, wine and chocolates will be served during intermission.