Kelly Clinton Holmes and Clint Holmes on the Smith Center for the Performing Arts grand-opening red carpet on Saturday, March 10, 2012.
The usual cast of characters, or somewhat usual, are set for the second Composers Showcase at Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts tonight at 10:30.
The first night was sold out, or nearly so. The real test will be subsequent nights for the all-star showcase of performers who toil on and off the Strip. Co-founded by “Jersey Boys” Music Director Keith Thompson and “Le Reve” Music Director Michael Brennan, Composers Showcase allows Vegas (and sometimes, out-of-Vegas) performers a chance to perform original material.
Tonight’s lineup is again talent-laden. Clint Holmes is back, as is his wife, Kelly Clinton Holmes. A vocalist who thrilled a small audience at a Shirley Bassey showcase a couple of weeks ago at Stirling Club, Niki Scalera, also is among the scheduled performers. Scalera has performed on Broadway in “Tarzan” (when “Peepshow” star Josh Strickland played the lead role) and “Hairspray.”
Tickets still remain tonight, at $20 apiece (click the Smith Center website for ticket info and for a full list of those taking part tonight).
Thompson says for Composers Showcase to achieve long-term viability at Cabaret Jazz, 100 tickets need to be sold for each performance. Otherwise, Showcase organizers (specifically, Thompson) will be required to cover overhead costs.
The Showcase likely won’t be a monthly happening, largely to keep demand high for each show. The next Showcase after tonight is set for June 27, then Thompson plans a break in July before resuming the show in mid-August. That will allow performers in “Phantom -- the Las Vegas Spectacular” to participate once more before that show closes at the Venetian on Labor Day weekend.
“We like being at The Smith Center, and the performers really enjoy it, too,” Thompson said today. “It is a great environment for them to put their wares out there, and that has always been the point of the Showcase.”
Follow John Katsilometes on Twitter at Twitter.com/JohnnyKats. Also, follow “Kats With the Dish” at Twitter.com/KatsWithTheDish.
Previous Discussion: