Chicago Paris Cabaret Connexion participants are showcasing the work of our fourth international exchange with French performers. Be regaled with songs from American songbook, French chanson, jazz, blues, comedy and more.

The show at the DePaul Recital Hall (North Building) will begin with a livestream, direct from Paris, with pianist Jean-Claude Orfali of Cabaret Lapin Agile. A dozen singers will then come onto the stage for live performance at 3 PM.

Music direction by Howie Pfeifer and stage directed by Dale Calandra.

Dale has directed over 100 productions, is founder of Center Theater Ensemble, was creative director of The Training Center, Chicago’s top acting school for twenty years. As actor, he was nominated for a Jeff Best Actor as Charlie in The Whale (Victory Gardens), and played Edna in Hairspray in the first national Broadway Tour.

Howard Pfeifer has worked extensively in Chicago and Los Angeles as a pianist, composer, arranger, and musical director in television commercials, feature films, variety shows, T.V. series, and record albums. Among the performers he has worked with are Shawn Kolvin, Patti LaBelle, Vonda Shepard, Johnny Cash, BB King, Johnny Frigo, Karen Carpenter, Aretha Franklin, Jim Brickman, Shari Lewis, Mel Torme, Dom DeLuise, and Marie Osmond.

(If you’re a singer wishing to participate, visit cabaretconnexion.org to register for the daytime conference taking place May 9-13.)