San Francisco’s cabaret scene and benefits go hand in hand. Shawn Ryan, the reigning clown prince of cabaret got a few of his friends together to raise funds for the Young Actor’s Theatre Camp, a program he and partner John Ainsworth founded to train adolescents in the performing arts.

With comedy writer Bruce Vilanch acting as MC, Ryan’s friends included: the radiant Wesla Whitfield accompanied by brilliant pianist and partner  Mike Greensill ("When You Wish Upon a Star"), the remarkably talented Spencer Day singing two originals ("Poor Marie," "Last Train to New Jersey"), Sony Holland with husband Jerry on guitar to sing two numbers from her upcoming CD ("The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Just in Time"), MAC Award winners Shaynee Rainbolt ("I Can’t Make You Love Me") and Terese Genecco ("New York State of Mind"), the urbane wit of Barry Lloyd ("Disgustingly Rich") and Miss Connie Champagne to preview a song from  her upcoming Dusty Springfield show ("You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me"). The stage band consisted of Daniel Fabricant on bass, John Wiitala on drums and Ryan’s longtime collaborator Kelly Park on piano.

The evening was for the kids, and interspersed between legendary cabaret stars were the children and teens from the camp to strut their stuff before the appreciative audience. The Rrazz Room and all performers gladly donated their time, energy and talent to Shawn’s cause. Ryan and student Kelly Flynn closed the show with "Are You Having Any Fun?" Indeed we did.

Steve Murray
Cabaret Scenes
June 3, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org