Years ago, the Suncoast resort offered strong drinks, a great Tiki bar, and one of the best places in south St. Pete where anyone could go and be themselves. The resident theater company, Gypsy Productions, showcased some brilliant local talent and brought new audiences to the tired venue.
Two of those most prominent local talents — Daniel Harris and William Bryant — will shine again at the Flamingo Resort's BLU Room. Their cabaret show, the first in a series, features solos, duets and ensemble pieces.
"It's a mix of familiar and obscure tunes," Bryant, who directed the show, explains. "Silliness is the only common thread. There is some gender bending. We sing of drinking and weed, and marriage equality."
Although he's local-grown (Clearwater High alum), Bryant's performed on stages around the world as a musician and actor. Fun fact? He's also a professional ballroom and Latin dance instructor. Harris, known in the local theatre community for his high energy and joie de vivre when it comes to all things theatre, joins Bryant for the cabaret.
Also joining in what can only be called "artistic-isn silliness" are singer Juanita McIntosh and Bud Good. Bryant describes Bud Good on the event's Facebook page: "Assembled from a kit by William Bryant and Daniel Harris during a complicated horticultural experiment — attempted after watching a midnight performance of Rocky Horror Show. The results were not as they had expected, but they released Bud on an unprepared world anyway."
Good's description, and he is, indeed, a real person, epitomizes what Bryant hopes the show conveys: silliness.
"It's full of surprises," Bryant says.
The Flamingo Cabaret Series will take place in the BLU Room of the Flamingo. Showtimes are Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.; tickets cost $20. Limited table seating, full liquor bar, food service. 727-321-5000. 4601 34th Street South, St. Petersburg.
