[NEohioPAL] THE MIDNIGHT MARTINI SHOW -- THE FINAL PARTY IS THIS SATURDAY

[Michael Rogaliner]

Pickwick & Frolic's THE MIDNIGHT MARTINI SHOW has one
more show to go.  Come celebrate our incredible 4 1/2
year run at our FINAL PERFORMANCE this Saturday,
January 26.

THE MIDNIGHT MARTINI SHOW is one of several floor
shows that Pickwick and Frolic has offered free to
audiences after it opened in September of 2002.  Since
then, Pickwick has paid out nearly a half million
dollars in salaries to Greater Cleveland Artists as
well as providing the community with a quality
performance space boasting state of the art sound and
computer lighting.  The rich-looking costumes by
JENNIVER SPARANO, a staple at Pickwick, added to the
professionalism of the venue. 

Since the beginning, all shows in the Frolic Cabaret
have been created and directed by MICHAEL ROGALINER
and music directed by JOHN DiSANTO.  These have
included CABARET ROCK and its various incarnations
(DIVAS OF ROCK, THE 60's, THE 70's, FOLLIES), the
STYLETTES, TOGA! (a limited run in Hilarities 4th St.
Theatre) and, of course, THE MIDNIGHT MARTINI SHOW. 
Each creation has been a high-energy entertainment
that more often resembled a mini-musical or concert
than traditional cabaret.  Over the years, the duo
have been proud to train and showcase some of
Cleveland's finest vocalists.

THE MIDNIGHT MARTINI SHOW, a tribute to Sinatra's
Vegas, opened in May 2003.  It currently stars four of
its original five leads including IAN ATWOOD, EILEEN
BURNS, BETSY KAHL as the showgirl and GREGORY CROSS on
drums.  KEITH FARIS joined the show after its first
year replacing Donnie Long.  Not long after it opened,
the press dubbed IAN "Cleveland's Blue Eyes," EILEEN
was christened "Cleveland's Judy Garland" and GREG's
drumming acquired him his own set of groupies.  BETSY
and her feathers were often seen on the covers of
magazines or making special TV appearances.  A year
later, KEITH quickly became known as "Cleveland's
Bobby Darrin."  The cast has been a favorite of nearly
all of the national comedians who have played
HILARITIES 4TH STREET THEATRE.  The show's high-energy
music is typical of the souped-up standards that
Sinatra and other entertainers performed in 1960's
Vegas.  The Martini cast has always performed these
songs as if they were born to it and have been a
sterling tribute to the quality of local talent.

THE MARTINI CAST AND STAFF are truly gratified by the
outpouring of affection the show has received during
its run and especially since its closing notice was
posted.  THANK YOU to everyone who has partied with us
over the years and to the hundred-plus Cleveland
vocalists who have been part of the "The Martini Guest
Spot."  Special thanks to our most recent guests
including KEVIN KELLY, DONNIE LONG, KRISTIN NETZBAND,
CONNOR O'BRIEN, SARA ROUSE and LISA ZEBROWSKI. 

THIS SATURDAY, the first guest of the show will also
be the last.  The incredible AUDI SHARIF, formerly of
Cabaret Rock and The Stylettes and now in demand all
over northeast Ohio, will sing.  Anyone who has seen
her perform will not easily forget her artistry and
intensity.

The closing festivities begin at 10:30pm with the
final regularly scheduled STYLETTES show featuring
RACHEL SCHMIDT, KRISTIN McKINLEY and NATALIE GREEN.

At 11:45pm, THE MIDNIGHT MARTINI SHOW begins its
pre-show party until the showgirl leads the countdown
with the audience to midnight and the final show.

COME EARLY.  Seats have been filling up quickly.

THE MIDNIGHT MARTINI SHOW is, as always, free and open
to the public.