Community Vaudeville of the National Theatre Washington DC Historic Landmark Playhouse Outreach Service

The National Theatre is a 501.c.3.not-for-profit organization

What is the National Theatre Community Vaudeville Program?

Back to National Theatre home

An Entertained Community Vaudeville Audience jpg (17k)

This program brings humor, inspirational sports demos, instrumental music, magic, one-person theatre, opera and vocalists to disadvantaged audiences in the greater Washington area. Performers bring their shows to senior centers and residences for audiences whose entertainment is often restricted largely to television. They also visit children’s organizations, where experiencing live entertainment is a welcome new adventure. John Loomis, Corporate Administrator of the National Theatre Corporation (NTC), directs the program.

MICHAEL CHAMBERLIN: Dean of Deception

Magician Michael Chamberlin will dazzle his audiences with a surprising and 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! Take a sneak peek!

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. Listen to a clip.

MICHAEL CONSOLI: A Knight at the Opera

Suave in his dapper concert attire, the heart-warming Michael 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. Consoli's enthusiastic personality and charm are irresistible. Those in the audience who remember dazzling opera performances will revisit the memories, and those who are not so well acquainted with opera will find a door opening to a new and enchanting musical world.

CHRISTIANA DRAPKIN: Here’s to the Ladies Who Scat!

Jazz vocalist Christiana Drapkin embarks on a joyous romp through a repertoire of jazz atandards, with a special nod to some of the greatest female vocalists. Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O’Day, Peggy Lee and Blossom Dearie are just a few of the vocalists recalled by this extraordinary performer. Christiana'a soulful interpretations of “The Way You Look Tonight”, “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” and “There’s a Small Hotel” will rekindle romantic memories in everyone’s heart. Listen.

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 the 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 "Flynnatra" has Sinatra's style, suave showmanship, and sophistication down pat. But he delivers the songs with a directness, warmth and silky-smooth appeal which are all his own.

KEITH FULWOOD: Lots of Laughs and Heart-Warming Insights

Keith Fulwood amuses, challenges and activates audience imagination with his delightful up close and personal 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. This is a warm and humane “Encounter of the Best Kind.” His performance is like an unexpected reunion with one of your best friends out of the past.

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

The versatile and vigorous Mary Ann 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 Rosie the Riveter, Queen Elizabeth I, Julia Child, Clara Barton and Amelia Earhart. Others are ladies lesser known—like Margaret Brent and Rosalie Calvert—but audiences enjoy meeting and learning about them through these adept reincarnations. All have fun, surprising stories and members of the audience become an active part of their adventures! Take a sneak peek!

THREE BOYS’ NIGHT OUT

This dynamic band performs a wide assortment of traditional and contemporary acoustic music. Their repertoire includes bluegrass, “old-time,” and American folk music, including songs about love and romance, tragedy and drama, and inspiration and humor. Listeners will find themselves tapping their feet to the energetic fiddle and bluegrass tunes and then empathizing with the real-life drama reflected in the soulful and authentic, but very tuneful, songs that folks in America’s mountains and hollows have been singing for decades. The Three Boys are Fred Nelson on acoustic mandolin and guitar; Roger Williams on acoustic guitar; and Mike Ritter on acoustic bass.

LYNN McCUNE: Songs from Happy Times

Lynn McCune performs songs from the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s and early 1950s in the style of Patti Page, Billie Holliday, Patsy Cline and Marilyn Monroe, using some of the original charts made famous by those ladies. Using a wireless microphone, she moves around the room serenading her listeners close-up and personal. Her nostalgic, elegant and irresistible cabaret magic takes audiences back to memories of the most romantic moments of their lives. Her suave charm, energetic singing style and rich vocal sound recreate the grand and dazzling world of big bands, supper clubs, beautiful ballrooms and happy Hit Parade hits!

BILL DAVIS: Music from Around the World

Bill Davis sings folk, popular, ethnic, international, Celtic, Caribbean, nostalgic, historic and fun songs, as well as original compositions. Featured instruments include 6- and 12-string guitars, electric classical guitar, and occasionally the banjo, tin whistle, bodran (Irish drum) and mouth trumpet. Musical selections change 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.

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, Plumer delivers a unique and high-spirited blend of quality music. Ranging from opera to Broadway, his enthusiasm and knowledge of music will make any occasion memorable. Plumer includes jazz, torch songs, art songs, international folk songs and sing-a-longs in his repertoire, providing the audience with a little something for everyone.

A PARTY WITH MAUREEN RIBBLE: Songs to Lighten Your Heart

Maureen Ribble, Ms. Senior Virginia of 2009, is the glamorous and inspiring “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 personally with each member of her audience. With a wide variety of songs from Tin Pan Alley to Broadway, she radiates charm, warming the hearts of every group. With her special knack for engaging her listeners, she sings medleys from The Great White Way, and the 1940s Hit Parade. Her dazzling party finishes with an energetic audience-thrilling patriotic salute.

DONATO SORANNO CANTANTI SINGING ENSEMBLE: A Wide World of Song

Donato Soranno 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. Toes will be tapping and audiences members humming along to beloved and happily remembered melodies.

What audiences are eligible for these performances?
Groups include 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 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 and 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 disabling condistions such as Alzheimers, Parkinson's and dementia.

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

John Loomis, NTC Corporate Administrator 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.

The NTC 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: John H. Loomis
1321 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20004

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.