BWW Reviews: Shannon Forsell Lights up The Cabaret at The Columbia Club

Yes, tiaras.

A former Miss Indianapolis and first runner up to Miss Indiana, the vivacious and captivating songbird once was also adorned with banners and crowns. Admitting she blew her chances during the interview section, Forsell segways into songs describing how she turned away from the bright lights of Broadway, returned to her roots, and tuned into a different musical genre: Cabaret.

Whether gracefully lounging across a polished piano, sassing up a self-deprecating joke or sharing a tender thought about husband, David Forsell, the chanteuse lights up the stage and heart.

Broadway's loss is Indianapolis' gain as Forsell shares her stories, delicious sense of humour and vocal talent with a song list that includes, Maybe This Time (Cabaret), Dreamed a Dream (Evita), I Forgot to have Children, As if we Never Said Goodbye (Sunset Boulevard), wrapping with I Told Ya I Love Ya, Now Get Out.

*Special note* Due to the sold out status of both performances, and the number of people who had to be turned away, an encore performance is slated for Sept. 7.

Bottom Line: When a star shines as brilliantly in the velvet indigo sky over Indianapolis as Shannon Forsell, she will prove, undeniably, to be the guiding light beckoning the world's attention to the city's Cabaret scene.

For tickets, directions and shows: TheCabaret.org

For information and CDs: ShannonForsell.com

For information: Columbia-Club.org.

Photo credit: StephenSimonetto.com