Stage show is fundraiser for local Transition House.

A8

Jim Lavoie

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The walls are lined with wise guys, players, runners and all kinds of gals looking to score maybe a dance or who knows what. Fedoras, pin striped suits, and ladies clad in outfits similar to lingerie: this is the kind of atmosphere you will find as the Boom Nightclub, located at 474 Queen St. when they present their second annual Cabaret to raise funds for Fredericton's Transition House.

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Photos by Scott Saad

Last year's Evening of Cabaret was scheduled only for one night, but sold out so an encore show was held to appease the demand for tickets. The two shows resulted in handing $2,000 to a grateful Transition House.

"It's always exciting for us, at Transition House, when an unsolicited group support our efforts to eliminate domestic abuse," said Lindsay, Transition House administrator. "To think of the time and energy spent by those involved with the Cabaret is overwhelming and words hardly convey our sense of appreciation." Fredericton's Transition House (459-2300 or via transhouse@nb.aibn.ca) is a safe and confidential shelter for any woman, with or without children, who is/has been physically, emotionally or sexually abused. It's also for women taking their children away from abuse.

To handle the expected crowds this year will see the Cabaret run two consecutive nights, August 29-30. There are limited tickets available (80) for each show. Tickets are on sale now, at Boom or by cast members, and are $10 advance or $12 at the door if any are left.

Doors open at 8 p.m., while showtime is 8:30 p.m., with a brief intermission it runs till 10 p.m. There will be door prizes and a good time is on tap all night as the DJ kicks in right after the show.

Laura Dennis is this year's producer of Cabaret and feels this year's version will have a unique feel/presence of that special era. "We'll still offer high quality talent as our singers and dancers, actually everyone involved, have been pedal to the medal for three months straight in preparation," she says. "The dedication and commitment turned in here will soon be on display for all to enjoy and in some cases maybe to become part of the show."

Both Dennis and second year performer Jennifer Chiasson agree that everyone feels strongly in their efforts to assist Transition House. "This was the idea of last year's organizer Jessica Holt and we will carry on this worthwhile cause," says Chiasson. "It was an amazing time, the crowds were great and we're pumped for this year's shows." As with any show there are turnovers and with some members moving on or away, new cast members step in. Such is the case of Fredericton's own "Kiwi" (stage name only) who at 21 is set to take the plunge.

"Last year I wanted to be in the production so much, but uncertain I waited too long. Not this year, it's to hell with the nerves and feet don't fail me now. "I can do it, I can sing, I can dance and watch us fly," says Kiwi, aka Kayleigh Smith. She enters the College of Craft and Design and has a sense of presence about her that may have others following her fashions.

So shuffle on down to Boom August 29, 30 and get into the swing of things. Tickets on sale now, get em while you can. Dance and sing along to the blast from the past and more importantly support Transition House and let's put a stop to Abuse of any kind. Find out why people will be saying "Cabaret '08 was great".