High Society Cabaret - The Art of Vintage Tease - Burlesque and Dance Theatre Company
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The White Light Follies

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Inspired by the golden age of the MGM movies and classic Cole Porter musicals, The White Light Follies followed Peggy, an aspiring theatre actress looking to make it on Broadway in the 1940s. She sets out to audition for acclaimed theatre producer Theodore Stanley.  After failing to impress Ellie, his wife and head choreographer, Peggy is offered a janitorial job at the theatre, where she meets the producer's young assistant Jimmy. The theatre is currently under financial stress. In an attempt to recoup costs, Theo hires his two friends and well respected stage actors, Warren and Beverley. The two are recently and bitterly divorced, and have each been hired by Theo unbeknownst to the other.
While Peggy daydreams of a life as a successful stage star and a romance with Jimmy, Theo tries to get Warren and Beverley to work together amicably, while ignoring Ellie's pleas for her husband's attention. After a rehearsal gone terribly wrong, Warren and Beverly both pull out of the production. In an act of faith, Ellie presents Peggy forward as a new leading lady of the stage, and Peggy makes her grand debut as a lady of song, saving the theatre!

November 2016

Picture
Featuring:
Maximum Capacity as Theodore Stanley
Dana Thody as Ellie
El Toro (Sebastian Marziali) as Warren
Bella Canto as Beverley
Axel Roman Allioux as Jimmy
Knox Harter as Peggy
Ensemble:
Charlie Quinn
Genie Emerald
Thrasher
J
ackie English
Geneviève Fullerton
Tereka Tyler-Davis
​

Guest Feature:
Bianca Boom Boom
Photos by Chris Hutcheson and Matthew Haskil
White Light Follies would be High Society Cabaret’s inaugural show at their new home venue, Revival Bar in Little Italy. It would also be Knox Harter’s first attempts as a writer and director. Having come from a diverse and traditional theatre background, Knox felt sure of her vision and her methods of executing her ideas. As the show demanded a much bigger cast than High Society had previously worked with, she sought out new talent interested in bringing this production to life, and began working not only with new artists, but old peers in new roles. In the initial production meeting with the cast, everyone seemed excited at the idea of a full length theatre show incorporating elements of burlesque. Knox did her best to stick to previous rehearsal structures as she had with the cabaret shows, but quickly saw that those methods were now out of date and insufficient to the needs of the production. Moreover, the excited cast became quickly weary of the production and seemed to lose faith in Knox as a leader.
“I remember after one very trying rehearsal where I felt like I was just constantly being combatted on choreography, the ensemble simply walked out 30 minutes before rehearsal was supposed to end and I just sat on my knees in the middle of Revival and cried.” - Knox Harter
Unbeknownst to Knox, the ensemble had taken it upon themselves to change choreography and take on roles without consent or authorization, adding tensions in rehearsals. Knox also struggled with the logistical and technical demand of the production, underestimating tasks and timelines. Many small details were left to the last minute, such as proper promotion and details in costuming. The show barely made it to opening night. While a bigger audience compared to the shows at Parlour attended, the numbers looked lacklustre in the expensive main floor of Revival. Much to Knox’s heartbreak and disappointment, the show did not meet expectations.
​
Show Times:
Thursday November 24th, 2016; 8pm
Sunday November 27th, 2016; 2pm, 7pm
Location:
Revival Bar, 783 College Street, Toronto
Script: Knox Harter
Group Choreography: Knox Harter
Director: Knox Harter
Producer: Knox Harter
Costumes: Knox Harter
Props and Set: Knox Harter
Promotional Art: Adam Tupper
Media and Marketing: Knox Harter
Video: Charlie Quinn
Video Editing: Knox Harter

Ticket Price:
$25 in advance, $35 at the door, 
group of 4 tickets $75 

September 2017

Picture
Featuring:
Imogen Quest as Theodore Stanley
Dana Thody as Ellie
Adam Martino as Warren
Jada Rifkin as Beverley
Axel Roman Allioux as Jimmy
Knox Harter as Peggy
Ensemble:
Michelle Crossman
Kaitlind Gorman
Kristen Pepper
Paige Sayles
​Tereka Tyler-Davis
Kelsey Willmott
​

Guest Feature:
Belle Epoque
Photos by Chris Hutcheson and Sly Pereira
Looking for redemption and after the success of Portrait of a Scandal, Knox decided to take a second attempt at The White Light Follies. Equipped with a better rehearsal and creation structure, Knox recast nearly 75% of the show, including an ensemble with a more formalized dance training. This allowed Knox to deeply analyze the past content and make major adjustments to the choreography, from group numbers, to duets, to the opening second act ballet.
“Suddenly I wasn’t choreographing to the abilities of my ensemble and instead was starting to really challenge my own choreographic skills. I wanted to bring out the most show-stopping show girl choreography I could at every opportunity. I think I fulfilled that dream. I’m really proud of those adjustments.” - Knox Harter
The recasts to the lead roles also brought a very different energy to the show, and gave space for Knox to play more as a director. Rehearsals with the actors were more of a structured improvisation based on the script. Each ensemble member also challenged themselves with individual solos, adding an added element of creating a dual environment of a show within a show: the showy performances and the storyline that happens backstage. 

Having found her stride, the production went smoothly, sold well and was well received by audiences. 
Show Times:
Wednesday September 6th, 2017; 8pm
Thursday September 7th, 2017; 8pm

Location:
Revival Bar, 783 College Street, Toronto
Script: Knox Harter
Group Choreography: Knox Harter
Director: Knox Harter
Assistant Director: Dana Thody
Producer: Knox Harter
Costumes: Knox Harter
Props and Set: Knox Harter
Promotional Art: Adam Tupper
Media and Marketing: Knox Harter
​
Video: Charlie Quinn
Video Editing: Knox Harter

Ticket Price:
Early Bird $20; Advance Standing $15, Advance Seating $25, Group of 4 tickets $75, Admission at the door $35
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  • Home
  • Our History
    • The Company
    • Anna Jaeger
    • Knox Harter
  • Our Work
    • Cabaret Productions >
      • A Decadent Scandal
      • Dangerous Dames
      • Santa Baby
      • In the Boudoir
      • Diamonds and Daggers
      • Meanwhile Back at the Office
      • Tiki in the Moonlight
      • La Dolce Vita
      • Meet Me At the Diner
      • How the West Was Swung
      • After Five
      • Down in Old New Orleans
      • Speakeasy
    • Full-Length Productions >
      • The White Light Follies
      • La Dolce Vita
      • Portrait of a Scandal
      • The Silent Goodbye
      • Ballyhoo
    • Event Entertainment