A Tribute to Charlotte Lightburn Brooks
Arizona Cabaret Artist and Writer
May 20, 1943-October 9, 2024
By Lynn Timmons Edwards
After a short illness, an Arizona cabaret candle was snuffed out with the death of Charlotte Lightburn Brooks on October 9, 2024. She had just started writing for Cabaret Scenes, and was only able to submit one review: Patti LuPone: A Life in Notes – Cabaret Scenes We had such plans!
Known for her effervescence, style, and wit, Charlotte dedicated her life to music, performing, friendship, and family. I met her in 2008 at El Charro, one of the last piano bars in Phoenix. I had just retired from my job with the City of Phoenix and was looking for more singing opportunities. She had a vast network and sponsored me as an Artistic Member of The Theatre Artists Studio (TAS). She invited me to join her company 16 Bars to appear in a cabaret show she was producing at the Herberger Theatre Center. That led to the formation of 16 Bars Cabaret, which featured two other singers—Susan Back and Sydney Davis—and my best friend singer/pianist the late Christy Welty. We toured around the metropolitan area for two years and sang for anyone who would pay us. That was my on-the-job training in cabaret, and it led to my having the confidence to book solo shows after our quintet disbanded.
Charlotte was born in Connellsville, Pennsylvania in 1943. Her early musical memories shaped her future. As a toddler, she belted out “It’s a Grand Night for Singing” with her mother. At age five, she was enraptured by a performance by Danny Kaye at Pittsburgh’s Stanley Theater that inspired her to dedicate her life to music. At age eight, she acquired her uncle’s piano. Her first public performances were for morning masses at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, which was located behind her house. In 1965, she earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Duquesne University with a major in piano.
In Phoenix, her work in education and her involvement in community musical theater enriched the lives of countless people from all ages and walks of life. She was a founding member of the Actors Theatre of Phoenix in 1985 and of the Theatre Artists Studio (TAS) in 2005.
In 2009, she founded 16 Bars, a production company with a revolving cast of iconic performers. The company produced original musical theater—primarily cabaret and revues—with an emphasis on comedy and parody and themed holiday shows. She was also a playwright and had several plays produced in the TAS Summer Shorts Festival.
TAS produced two of Charlotte’s original musicals—The Temporary Queen and Sudz—and her original songs were included in many Words for Music productions. One of Charlotte’s career highlights was having her original song “History Makers” recorded by Glen Campbell for the Arizona Historical Society’s Historymakers gala.
Along with her wonderful musical talents, Charlotte will be remembered for her
strength and determination, her magical laugh, and her sense of humor. I will miss her, as will Arizona.
