What is National Theatre Community Vaudeville?

This program brings small-scale music, theatre, story-telling and dance presentations to disadvantaged audiences in the Greater Washington Area.

Performers bring their shows to these audiences in their own homes and meeting places: community rooms, recreation centers, social rooms, libraries and church halls.

John Loomis, the Corporate Administrator of the National Theatre Corporation, directs the program.

CABARET CAPERS - Happy Comedy and Spirited Songs

Lucille Frohling, Jerry Carroll and Tom Vogt entertain with a cabaret act including songs from the likes of George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Rodgers & Hart. In addition to Broadway show tunes and Tin Pan Alley hits, they perform comedy interludes inspired by Noel Coward and Dorothy Parker. The revue is a bubbly , high-class and fun "night out on the town."

MICHAEL CHAMBERLIN - Dean of Deception

Michael Chamberlin will dazzle your group with a high-energy magic show blending comedy, mystery, and music into a mesmerizing display of theatricality. He and his audience explore and expand some of magic’s oldest traditions and newest wrinkles — featuring the classical "Chinese Linking Rings," the famous "Mutilated Parasol," and the very funny "Jake da Snake and his Magic Egg." Witty, fun and surprising, Michael was selected by the National Geographic Society to advise and appear in their book, "You Won't Believe Your Eyes." ... And you won't!

THE CLASS ACT - Song, Dance & Comedy

This mellow trio, bursting with talent, takes your audience on an energetic, costumed, whirlwind tour of song and dance from many cultures and countries. Opera, Broadway, jigs, jazz and trumpet solos! Spanish Dance, Israeli Dance, Greek Dance! Tarantellas, ballads and hoe-downs! This remarkable company does it all, and with flair, flourish, colorful costumes and a good deal of fun!  Your audience will sit up and smile on this mini-round-the-world tour!

MICHAEL CONSOLI - A Knight at the Opera

Suave in his dapper concert attire, the heart-warming Mr. Consoli performs The Art of the Basso in Opera and Song. His electrifying recital includes art songs, operatic arias, and musical selections ranging from the mid-18th to 20th centuries. Performed with synthesized piano accompaniment, this program takes the audience on a great "up close" and informative visit to the opera.  Mr. Consoli's enthusiastic personality and charm will delight your audience.

STEVE FLYNN  as Frank Sinatra

"Old Blue Eyes" and the high-rolling spirit of Las Vegas come to life as Steve Flynn sings the songs made famous by the velvet-voiced Frank Sinatra. Members of your audience who remember the antics and cool musicianship which characterized the scintillating performances of the "Rat Pack" will revel in this inspiring re-creation.   The engaging Mr. Flynn, known as "Flynnatra," has Sinatra's style, suave showmanship, and sophistication down pat.  He delivers the songs with a directness, warmth and silky-smooth appeal which are all his own.

NONI FRENKEL - Songs to Inspire and Lift Spirits

The charismatic Ms. Frenkel is a versatile and dynamic performer. She will charm your audience with a heart-lifting performance which weaves songs and her own delightful stories with recorded music. Walking amidst the audience, she creates an interactive personal friendliness in her performance.  At the end of her show, she invites everyone to join her in a spontaneous sing-a-long to old favorites.  Song sheets with the words are provided to jog memories so that everyone will have a chance to sing out with confidence.

KEITH FULWOOD - Lots of Laughs and Heart-Warming Insights

Mr. Fulwood amuses, challenges and activates audience imaginations with his delightful monologues, amusing comic characters, energetic dialogues and comedic interpretations and insights.  A dynamic and highly interactive performer, he provides inspiration and insight for audiences of all ages and types, sharing his own personal experiences and life philosophy in a question-and-answer finale to his program.

SPENCER "SPINNY"JOHNSON - Hot-Shot Athletics and Inspiration

A two-time All-American basketball star renowned for high scores and trick-shot artistry, SPINNY is also an inspiring performer for all ages.  His irresistible and vigorous, but totally laid-back and engaging personality will charm your audience, as he dazzles them with a dynamic display of digital dexterity.  He even invites participation, however vigorous or limited, whether he is with kids, teens, seniors or wheel-chair users!  Behind his fast-action tricks and laughs are encouraging and moving messages of perseverance and positive thinking.

MARY ANN JUNG - Making History Come Alive

 Winsome and charming, the vigorous Ms. Jung presents a variety of lively shows, each about an amazing woman from history.  Some of her characters are famous names your audience will know, like Queen Elizabeth I, Julia Child, Clara Barton and Amelia Earhart. Others are ladies lesser known - like Margaret Brent and Rosalie Calvert - but your clients will  enjoy meeting and learning about any of them. All have fun, surprising stories and the members of the audience become an active part of their adventures!

LYNN McCUNE - Songs from Happy Times

Ms. McCune performs songs from the 20's, 30's, 40's and early 50's in the style of Patti Page, Billie Holliday, Patsy Cline and Marilyn Monroe. Using a wireless microphone, she moves around the room to serenade your audience "close-up." Bedecked in a dazzling evening gown, her irresistible cabaret magic will enchant your group.   Her lively singing style and rich vocal sound, transporting her listeners back to a grand world of big bands, beautiful ballrooms and happy memories!

SOMOS EL MAR - Music from around the World

Bill Davis and Pat Chen - Somos el Mar - "We are the Sea" - sing folk, popular, ethnic, international, Celtic, Caribbean, nostalgic, historic and fun songs, as well as their own originals.  Bill plays 6- & 12-string guitars, electric classical guitar, and occasionally a banjo, tin whistle, bodran (Irish drum) and mouth trumpet.  Pat Chen plays autoharp, violin (electric and regular) and various drums and percussion instruments.  Their program changes with the seasons.  You might hear Oh, Susanna, Ragtime Cowboy Joe or some real "elevator music," as well as fiddle tunes, sing-a-longs, rounds, jokes - and music from many traditions during holiday periods.  They often use large inflatable figures in their grand finale.

FRANK PLUMER - From Beloved Classics to Classy Cabaret

Variety is the Spice of Life, and Frank Plumer, an engaging pianist and singer, brings variety to every performance. From Classical to Jazz, and everything in between, Frank delivers a unique and high-spirited blend of quality music. Ranging from opera to Broadway, Frank's enthusiasm and knowledge of music will make any occasion memorable. Frank includes jazz, torch songs, art songs, international folk songs and sing-a-longs in his repertoire, providing his audiences with a little something for everyone.

A PARTY WITH MAUREEN RIBBLE - Songs to Lighten Your Heart

Maureen is the “hostess with the mostess” at a fun-filled festival of joy, toe-tapping songs and sweet nostalgia. She is a singer of upbeat exuberance with a unique ability to "connect" very personally with your audience. She radiates charm, warming the hearts of any group. With her special knack for engaging her listeners, she sings medleys from Broadway, and the 1940's Hit Parade. The party finishes with an energetic audience-thrilling patriotic salute.

DONATO SORANO CANTANTI SINGING ENSEMBLE - A Wide World of Song

Mr. Sorano and one or another of the members of his group of international troubadours and chamber opera ensemble present a musical feast of inspiring and entertaining Italian and Spanish folk songs, as well as selections from grand opera through operetta, and musical theatre to religious and old-time favorites. Special programs are available for Christmas, Columbus Day, Valentine's day and other holidays. The invigorating group adds a dash of international panache by singing in several languages.  They work with piano or organ, keyboard or tapes.

What Audiences are eligible for these performances?

Groups include particularly seniors, children and others who, due to health, age, social condition, economic status or other reasons, would not often or ever be able to see live performances at a theatre, cabaret or concert hall. Presentations are made at hospitals, day-care centers, neighborhood community centers, retirement homes, senior citizen day-time centers, boys' and girls' clubs, summer camps, schools and similar venues.

What kind of shows?

Like old-time vaudeville shows, the program includes a wide variety of easily transportable theatrical
and musical performances, generally involving one to four performers and no technical support personnel. Variety acts, singers, dancers, musical & instrumental groups, comics, magic, jugglers, and clowns are all on the bill.

How are performances arranged?

PERFORMERS who are willing to make a presentation anywhere in the Greater Washington Area - for an honorarium of $275 per performance - may apply to audition for the program. Auditions are held, however, only when new acts are needed. Performers must be comfortable appearing before audiences which may include persons suffering from Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, dementia, and other disabling conditions.

VENUES indicate which performers would be appropriate for their particular clientele: children, seniors, patients or others.

JOHN LOOMIS, Corporate Administrator for the National Theatre Corporation and director of the program, contacts a performer for the venue for a particular date, sends a contract to the performer and venue, and authorizes a performance when contracts are signed and returned.

National pays the performer upon receipt of a voucher signed by the venue after the completion of the show. That's all there is to it! If you would like more information, please contact us.

NATIONAL THEATRE COMMUNITY VAUDEVILLE
Attn: Mr. John H. Loomis
1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004

(No telephone calls, PLEASE. Venues MUST send a copy of 501.c.3 not-for profit verification in order to be
considered for this program. Performers should send resume, recommendations, photo and performance video.
Audio cassettes are not acceptable.)

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