A Cabaret Lets Loose in Wantagh Synagogue

Most would not think to pair cabaret with a synagogue but if one does not, they certainly have not heard of the Long Island Cabaret Theatre. This semi-professional group of more than 25 performers put together hours of musical sketch comedy and mixed it all with blends of humor stitched throughout legitimate performance pieces.

A recent performance by Bethpage-based Long Island Cabaret Theatre in Wantagh's kept those in attendance laughing as the hours wore on.

In the dimly lit community room of the synagogue, there was standing room only even as the cabaret show began. Local performers – most of which were teenagers and adults who'd maintained musical interests for years but could no longer find a creative outlet after graduating from school – took the stage in costumes, accurately and humorously. From sailor suits and pirate gear, to a Tina Turner and Ike routine, the singers and dancers of Long Island Cabaret Theatre kept the crowds entertained.

Singers began with less serious numbers, often remaking both newer and older classics to please the audience's palate. Remaking everything from a Backstreet Boys classic to a Lady Gaga song, the cabaret group injected their signature style of comedy into each and every number. In one popular number, a mock wife and husband remade Faith Hill's "Just Breathe" into "Don't Breathe", a tale of a displeased wife begging her oblivious husband to keep his mouth shut, as he suffers from horrid halitosis.

In other numbers, performers sang their hearts out. Three women of the Cabaret Group joined forces to belt out Bette Midler's hit (from the smash movie "First Wives Club") "You Don't Own Me". Another performer, donning a fully sequined Tina Turner dress performed an interesting rendition of Turner's smash hit, "Rollin". By her side was the Carabet's Ike Turner and together, the two began the hit slowly and softly and gradually increased the pace of the song until it had audience members on their feet.

Additionally, there was even a risqué number where slightly erotic, bashfully innocent yet scantily clad women performed a number overrun with themes of female dominance overripe with lesbian overtones.

Throughout the night, the standout performer of the night was the young woman who belted away perfectly pitched arias and show tunes, never needing a microphone or amplification as she brought life to what could have been otherwise lifeless songs.

Perhaps the greatest feature of Long Island Cabaret Theatre is that the group is completely comprised of volunteers of all different backgrounds, sizes and ages. Anyone can join the Long Island Cabaret Theatre, so long as they are dedicated and professional in demeanor. The group does not discriminate based on age or gender and is registered as a non-profit.

Additionally, the amount of talent Cabaret members bestow is remarkable. Hardly would audience members assume they would be able to enjoy an opera as well as legitimately funny performances at a community room in a local synagogue.