Posted by Communications Liaison Ellie Simpson, thanks to Archivist Jon Coss.

The Women’s Society (later known as Presbyterian Women of Huguenot Memorial Church), was established to raise funds for church activities and mission projects at home and abroad. During the 1930s they organized an annual Fashion Show and Tea, followed by a Bazaar.

The Presbyterian Women have held many fundraisers, leading to their generous contributions for such items as banners, chairs, tables, carpeting, kitchen equipment, organ repair, and pew cushions. They raised money through the sale of baked goods and articles of clothing. They also sponsored bridge parties, rummage sales, turkey dinners, and white elephant sales.

Four Corners Antiques Show with assigned booths. Billy’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que flyer.

In 1963 the Presbyterian Women held their first “Four Corners Antiques Show,” transforming the gymnasium into booths rented by antique dealers. With modifications, it lasted thirty years. As attendance fell, the Presbyterian Women changed to a Spring Sampler in early 1992, which proved to be the last Four Corners event.

Louise and Tom Middleton at the 1993 Bar-B-Que. Program for Rock of Ages Dance Party.

What could replace the Antiques Show? The Presbyterian Women, led by Carleen Murdock and Louise Middleton, decided to host “Billy’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que” from 1993 to 1995. “Billy” was Rev. Bill Saum. The event featured barbecued ribs and chicken and a live auction. Supplying entertainment were talented local soloists, a barbershop quartet, and a square dance caller.

Left: GK

The Bar-B-Que was followed by “Donny’s Delectable Dinner Show,” named for interim Rev. Don Thiel in 1996. A “Rock of Ages” Dance Party with a disc jockey providing music from the 1950s to the 1990s. And “Greg’s Gregarious Gala” was named for Rev. Greg Keosaian in 1998. 

Band members Phil Price, Marty Ketel and Anton Martinez. Showstopper Valerie Lemon.

Tired of alliterations, the Presbyterian Women decided to go with the Huguenot Cabaret in 1999, and the name has stuck to this day. The venue changed, however, from the Huguenot auditorium to the Manor Club in 2021. The winning format has remained virtually the same – hors d’oeuvres, buffet dinner, dessert and coffee, variety show (about 20 songs or acts), and a silent auction. Although the Presbyterian Women of Huguenot dissolved in 2016, the Cabaret Committee continues to organize the Cabaret every Spring.

Ladies’ numbers: Trio inspired by Carmen Miranda and a more demure trio.

Over the years, performers have included Huguenot’s professional soloists, the popular local band the Stellar Wolfs, the AcaPelhams, the Pelham Jazz Ensemble and a long list of soloists, duets, and group numbers. The cast typically includes 50 singers and musicians, many of whom are not members of the church but love supporting this annual community event.

Men’s numbers: Sailors from “On the Town” and tie-dyed hippies in “Hair.”

Musicians include Kathryn Jones, John Hanlon, Marty Ketels, the late Anton Martinez, Phil Price, Roland Rogers, Jennifer Scopaz Plummer, Mark Sedgwick, Warren Banholzer, Desmond Yuen, and many more.

Men’s number from Spamalot and the ladies in a Taylor Swift medley.

Funds raised by the Huguenot Cabaret support the life and mission of the church. Specific beneficiaries have included Hope Community Services, Pelham Together, disaster relief assistance, programs in Ecuador and Rwanda, Christian education, the Huguenot Memorial Church, and the Hudson River Presbytery.

1950s. “Dixieland Jamboree.” Chair: Mrs. Robert Spence. Emcee: Chris Bohn
1993-1995. Billy’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que. Co-Chairs: Louise Middleton, Carleen Murdock
1996. Donny’s Delectable Dinner Show. Named for interim pastor, Rev. Don Thiel
1997. Rock of Ages: Decades of Dance with Big Band, Bebop, Hip-Hop music
1998. Greg’s Gregarious Gala, a.k.a. Blue Moon Café. Rev. Greg Keosaian.
1999-2001. First event officially known as Huguenot Cabaret. Chair: Sue Tritsch
2002. “Are the Stars Out Tonight?” Chair: Sue Tritsch. Emcee: Tony O’Malley
2003. Shhh!! Keep it under your Hat…” Chair: Sue Tritsch. Emcee: Mike Mutti
2004. “Grab a Seat! It’s the Huguenot Cabaret.” Co-Chairs: Sue Tritsch, Brenda Harms
2005: “Don’t be a Fool! Reserve your Seat! Grab your Hat!” Chair: Brenda Harms
2006-10. Huguenot Cabaret. Chair: Brenda Harms
2011-2016. Huguenot Cabaret. Chair: Astrid Denison
2017-2019. Huguenot Cabaret. Chair: Louise Kelly
2020-2021. Canceled due to Covid pandemic
2022. Huguenot Cabaret at the Manor Club. Co-Chairs: Kathy Jones &
2023-2025. Huguenot Cabaret at the Manor Club. Chair: Sylvia Rowe

Partial Listing of Key Members of the Cabaret Committee:

Emcees: Scotty Murdock, David Black, Tony O’Malley, Mike Mutti, George Bischof, Brian Bober, Rev. Paul Seelman

Producers: Sue Tritsch, Louise Kelly, Kathy Jones, Donna Randles, Dana Thayer, Roland Rogers

Lighting: Daniela Cherner, Jack Hopkins, Kiera Mallinson, Camille Rowe

Production/Staging: Ken Denison, Dan Carlton, Jack Denison

Invitations/Program Design: Donna Randles

Publicity: Dana Thayer

Silent Auction: Sylvia Hazlehurst, Chris D’Angelo

Food & Beverage: Lynne Dintrone

Show Runner: Ken Denison

Sound Managers: Bob Rendon, Mark Fiore

Treasurer/Reservations: Brenda Harms, Julia Coss, Lora Myers, Gretchen Liga, Dana Thayer

Invitations were mailed March 10th! Save Eventbrite fees and reserve
your tickets to this year’s Cabaret by sending in a check with your
reply card. If you prefer to purchase tickets online, click the button below.

Sources:

HMC Archives, Presbyterian Women of the Huguenot Memorial Church.

Conversations and emails with Astrid Denison, Lynne Dintrone, Louise Kelly, Carleen Murdock, Donna Randles, Dana Thayer.