FRINGE THEATER KEY WEST — AN EVENING LOST WITH LILLIAN BAXTER

SHOW DATES: DEC 26-31 2019

THESE TWO GUYS CREATE A STELLAR ONE-WOMAN SHOW!

Fringe Theater presents John Vessels and Jay Schwandt in the musical memoir of the greatest singer you’ve never heard of — Lillian Baxter!  An Evening Lost with Lillian Baxter is presented December 26-31 at 7pm in the Little Room Jazz Club on Duval Street.

“Key West has been a part of our professional journey for several years now,” explains John Vessels, the show’s writer and lead performer.  “Our first show was such a hit in 2016, that Fringe asked us to bring our second show down the following year. When Fringe invited us back this year, it only took us a moment to remember the big Midwest blizzard of 2018, so we started developing the next show, right away!”

The third installment of the fictional Lillian Baxter’s “climb to the middle” focuses on the years right after her TV variety show was cancelled in the 1960s.  What’s a girl to do? Whatever it takes!  For Lillian that meant she had to sing-sing-sing her way through commercials, sitcoms, and even an industrial musical or two.  The stories are fun and the music is just divine.

“Lillian’s voice has always been able to take her places that her looks, perhaps, could not,” John jokes, but then he clarifies. “Lillian isn’t a drag act, beyond the obvious fact that I’m wearing a frock or two. Lillian is a fully realized human being living in a comedy format.” In fact, more than one guest has left the show to google Lillian Baxter, believing her to be based on a real-life character!

The two men who created this one-woman show are John Vessels, who holds a BA in Music, and Jay Schwandt, who has degrees in music composition. Both men perform professional and teach in their respective fields. “John is the upfront performer, and I arrange the music for the show,” explains Jay.

Critics have written of the Lillian Baxter performances, “John Vessels has a masterful level of vocal control which he pairs with a pitch perfect portrayal of Lillian as a super star that never was.  And Jay Schwandt shines with his impressive piano skills and arrangements.”

An Evening Lost with Lillian Baxter runs Dec 26-31 at 7pm at the Little Room Jazz Club which is located at 821 Duval Street. Doors will open nightly at 6pm so patrons can enjoy the Little Room’s tasty menu and full bar. The Little Room’s music schedule resumes nightly at 9pm.

Tickets are available online at www.fringetheater.org or by calling 305-731-0581. Seating is limited so advanced ticket purchase is encouraged.

Fringe Theater is Key West’s community-focused theater which offers unique opportunities for people to see and do theater. Fringe is a 501c3 nonprofit with a vibrant and inclusive outreach and education program. For more information about Fringe, contact [email protected].

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