Show to benefit Zak Quappe scholarship
Melanie Ebanks at a previous Cocktails and Cabaret
(CNS Local Life): For two nights only, 19 and 20 January 2018, Cocktails and Cabaret will again be gracing the stage at Prospect Playhouse with a Broadway show, Cayman-style, in aid of the Zak Quappe Memorial Scholarship Fund (ZQSF). Originally presented in 2012 by Melanie Ebanks, the production was put on for three straight years until school commitments forced a hiatus.
The first show raised money for the George Town Primary School performing space, with proceeds from the following year’s production donated to the ZQSF, which was established after the tragic loss of Melanie’s cousin, Zak, stated a press release. For that show, Zak’s sister, Teri, and parents, Chuck and Barrie, joined the cast, along with a few friends.
The scholarship programme was set up to assist young Caymanians with their dreams of becoming pilots. Zak was passionate about helping his friends look for jobs and build on their own success, so it was a natural fit to have the show benefit the fund in his name. To date, Cocktails and Cabaret has raised more than $15,000 towards providing funding for young Caymanians who share Zak’s dream.
The scholarship has already funded two young Caymanians who have both achieved their pilots licences, has supported the Clifton Hunter High School Flight club for two years to help with funding for its summer camp and is currently assisting a Caymanian in the UK with training fees. Applications for the next scholarship will open in February 2018.
Both Melanie, who has started her acting career and Teri, who will soon be graduating from the MetFilm School, are in from London and will be performing in the upcoming production.
Joining them onstage will be Dominic Wheaton, Lani Bothwell and Rory Mann, as well as Chuck, Barrie and the Sea ‘N B band, to present an evening of Broadway show tunes mingled with humour and cocktails. Among the selections planned are songs from such hits as Come from Away, Dear Evan Hansen, and Waitress to old favourites Into the Woods, Cabaret and Les Miserables. The show is produced in association with the Cayman Drama Society (CDS).
The evening will start with cocktails at 6:30pm, with the cabaret beginning at 7pm.
To purchase tickets, which cost $25, go the CDS website
Category: Performing Arts
