Beat the winter blues and come hear the music play as Kabaret 2023 celebrates fifty years of song, dance and comedy. The four day funfest starts tonight and ends Saturday featuring the return of past performers and the Lasalle Theatre stage.

This is Kabaret’s first appearance at the LaSalle since it left after 2010 to move back to it’s early beginnings at the Northern College Auditorium. The show’s last performance at the college was in 2020 before the beginning of the COVID pandemic. Since then Kabaret has had one showing last year at Trinity United Church which hosts the theatrical rehearsals and storage. Known as Friends of Trinity, the church is also home to the local units for Royal Canadian Air Cadets and Girl Guides Canada.
Written by director Mandy Belec and “the whole cast who have a say”, the show will be a paradise of Kabaret history and random thoughts. Among the familiar faces returning to the spotlight are vocal veterans Hali Bigelow, Chris and Donna Ackles, and Suzie Gatz. Newcomers in recent years enjoying their ongoing success include Kevin Burroughsford, Ella Folusewych, Mya Willfang, and Willow Robin. With the likes of popular actors Beverly McChesney Rumble and Anthony Alexander, this year’s Kabaret is sure to be a milestone madhouse.

The Kabaret Dancers will be accompanying the stage, choreographed by Tatum Wilson, Jessette LeBlanc, Zohie Burroughsford, Alysa Donnelly, Kapelynn Cochrane and Mandy Belec. Rhythm and Motion Academy of Dance returns as guest performers choreographed by Alison Parle. Brittany Bradley comes home to perform a dance accompaniment alongside her mom Donna with husband Chris Ackles.
This year’s musical directors are Brook-Lynn Rozon, Trish McNaueal, and the Kabaret House Band which includes Ron Carson (guitar), Darcy Lachapelle (guitar), Darren Phillips (bass) and Ben Pamplin (drums).
The 50th Anniversary of Kabaret is dedicated to all past and present members of the Kabaret Family. The variety show is one hundred percent volunteer based with a huge shout out to Randy Godfrey, the Godfather of lighting and special effects who has been there since the very beginning and also celebrates his fiftieth year with the show. Known for “staying behind the scenes” and “hating the limelight”, Godfrey has dedicated a lifetime of hours to Small Pond Productions, Paula Davey Dance Studio, the LaSalle Theatre, Friends of Trinity and many more.
The forever young writer, director, singer and actor Mandy Belec who grew up with Kabaret says “it’s going to be a jam packed show.”

“It’s amazing”, praises Belec. “Especially to be back here at the LaSalle. And it’s also Randy Godfrey’s fiftieth anniversary. He’s the one that really wanted it here, so we all made it happen for him.” Belec also praises the ongoing support from fans over the years. “Oh, God, Thank you for everything! I hope you enjoy the show this year.”
The director adds that it’s been difficult through the pandemic trying to make plans with all the changes.
“Very tough,” continues Belec, “very tough. Only five people allowed indoors. Or we’d have a show planned and then it was like, “nope, take it away”, and then “oh, fifty percent capacity” and then “nope, never mind”. Rules changing, back and forth. With masks on at Trinity we would talk about our plans for the fiftieth.” But after months of solid auditions and rehearsals she’s happy to be back among her old friends and venue.
“It makes me feel like when I was a kid in here,” reminisces Belec. “Brings back so many memories. And then you go up in the dressing rooms and all the signatures from way back in the day – the walls are just plastered with all Kabaret signatures. I got a little emotional. But I’m happy to be back.”

With the theatre’s ongoing restoration there is limited seating and Belec says get your tickets now. Tickets are twenty dollars per person and available at Breault’s Furniture and More, and The White Eagle /Polish Hall. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and show starts at 7:00 p.m. The concession stand will be open. All four nights are sure to be fun and while some fans wait until Saturday to get all the bugs out, tonight is the night for opening night jitter junkies as the first round always seems to be cursed with glitches and goblins.
“Almost like dress rehearsal all over again,” smiles Belec.
Awesome write up Perry! As always!!!! Love the pics!
Thanks Pearl! No shortage of great pics when you’re around that crew. Great entertainment and a LOT of talent. 🙂