Quinn Mattfeld and Kyle Eberlein with the 2014 REACH Cabaret

This summer is the tenth anniversary of the REACH Cabaret. Cabaret is every Thursday from 7/10 – 8/28 at the Grind (on Main Street across from City Hall). It starts no later than 11:10pm and will run for 45 minutes. Admission is $10 at the door.

Quinn Mattfeld (appearing in Sense and Sensibility and Twelfth Night) and Kyle Eberlein (appearing in Into the Woods, Henry IV, Part I and Measure for Measure) are the organizers and hosts this year.  We met with them to learn what they are planning.

Tell us about REACH and the Cabaret.

Kyle:      REACH was founded several years ago to help the Festival company have auditions during the season. Because we’re here for so long, we can’t travel to auditions. So REACH brings casting directors, agents and artistic directors here to Cedar City. The Cabaret is our primary fundraiser. We use the funds to pay for travel and lodging for our visitors. While they are here, they see all six plays, the three Greenshows and audition all interested REACH members.

Clein, Mattfeld, Eberlein

What do you have planned for this year’s Cabaret?

Quinn:    I wanted us to reimagine it, repackage it.  How are people used to watching shows late at night? They’re used to watching Jay Leno, David Letterman – that formula of a late night talk show. We can make this a fun variety show that has a lot of absurdity to it. For example: you have transitions where they’re changing mikes. Let’s fill it with something that’s totally silly. For example, for the first one, we think we’ll have Zack Powell juggle, tap dance and play the kazoo at the same time. 

Kyle:      Sam Clein’s going to be our music director. We want to reward our guests who come each week. If you return, you’ll see sketches and characters from prior weeks, so there’s some continuity.

Quinn – we really want to focus on our relationship with USF and have fun with that. We’re trying to get some company members to be regulars and play versions of themselves: Larry Bull, Deanna Ott and Natasha Harris…the way Carson would have people who show up and play versions of themselves.

Quinn – we want to put lots of variety in it. It won’t be nine people singing musical theatre. There will be people playing instruments, there’s going to be clown acts, all kinds of different stuff and we’re going to make it 45 minutes.

Do you have auditions lined up?

Kyle:      Yes! So far we have sixteen auditions. We work to create a balance between Chicago, LA and New York. Visitors include Jay Binder, a prominent NY Casting Director (his first time here!), several Shakespeare Theatres, Milwaukee Rep, Hartford Stage (origin of the Tony winning Gentlemen’s Guide) and Claire Simon Casting from Chicago.

What are some success stories?

Quinn:    I got my job at PCPA through a REACH audition.

Kyle:     Tina Scariano, Cody Craven and I all got jobs on the Disney Cruise ships via REACH auditions. And even if you don’t get a role, it’s an important way to get your name and talent out there.

How do we know who’s performing each week?

Kyle:      We have a Facebook page which we’ll update each Weds. with the program. https://www.facebook.com/ReachPresentsTheCabaret If you “like” our page, you can see the postings. And be sure to get to the Grind early as it’s always standing room only.

So mark your calendars for each Thursday from 7/10 – 8/28, 11pm for Cabaret at the Grind. Your $10 will help our company further their careers and you’ll have a great time!

#USF2014