Cabaret by Ann Denison
 
 
I was sitting on the porch of The Bluebell one sunny afternoon when a man came up and 
introduced himself as George McKay. A very happy fellow, he asked if I’d be interested in 
helping him with Cabaret. He went on to explain what it was and it sounded like fun and a 
chance to meet people here, as we were new renters on the club.
 
I watched my first Cabaret in 1968 and was forever hooked. So much fun - so funny - a chance 
to get the old imagination moving.  Barbie Claggett and I had become friends and I admit that 
we both found each other hysterically funny, so when we had the chance to work together on a 
Cabaret we knew we could have a blast poking fun at all the members. I don’t know how many 
summer nights we sat on my porch, drinks in hand, laughing ourselves silly.
 
It turned out Cabaret was fun but a lot of hard work. But in true Belvedere fashion everyone 
chipped in and helped us. Barbie was a Broadway baby so we’d choose a musical and steal 
the plot and songs and rework everything to fit The Belvedere. How we persuaded the ladies of 
the Belvedere to perform as flamingoes I still don’t know. “The Committee” included Barbara 
Larimore, Sheila Tomkinson, Ann Kelley, Sissy Chamberlain, Stella Alexander, Ginny Million
and more, designed pink tulle feathered costumes with yellow rubber kitchen gloves on their feet.
They were gorgeous!!
 
I loved writing lyrics, as did Don Kelley, Margie McKinney, Sheila, etc. And while our singing 
wasn’t any good, the acting was fabulous.  No one will ever forget Sheila as Princess Diana 
standing on two large buckets so she’d be taller or her rendition of CRAZY as she fell off the 
top of the piano.  Remember Rocky Rider dressed as a Nanny pushing a pram across the 
stage. How about Sissy playing Barbara Bush better than Barbara played herself. And Susan 
Reese, she was absolutely the best . Dan Hales was always up for a dancing role with the 
lovely Susan (aka Carol Burnett) or Em Crook as every beautiful charming TV or movie star. 
Chris and Ginger performed annually and always brought down the house. After all, they could 
sing.
 
George Crook, Bill Claggett, Rick Tomkinson, Frank Crump, Joe Larimore et all were easily 
persuaded to dress up as ladies of the Belvedere or as ballerinas . Such good sports, and I’ll 
never forget Teddy Orr teaching the other guys how to tie the pink ribbons up and around their 
lower legs. Bill Claggett found true stardom as The Ironton Ferry. Don Kelley was downright 
sexy in Adele Dilslchneider’s gorgeous beaded dress (also worn by Sheila and Barbie but he 
was the prettiest).
 
There are way too many great memories. It was always crazy fun. And if Bud Alexander didn’t 
laugh, you knew your skit was lousy, but happily he always laughed, particularly at one of his 
kids playing him dressed in a blue bathroom.
 
I am proudest of the many songs we wrote that half the resort still remember. C-H-A-R-L-E-V-
O-I-X is still a hit!  As are“ Take me out to the G.G”.,“Over There” , “GANG Belvedere”,
and my favorite “Relationships”.  We really did spend weeks writing and practicing and decorating,
but times have changed .  But oh how we laughed!! 
 
 
Lyrics from Cabaret
 
Relationships- sung to the tune of “These are a few of my favorite things”
 
Hickeys and Sheltons, Chamberlains, McKays,
Engelsmanns and Schumachers, are related in some way.
 
I don’t believe it! Can this be true?
Tell me again who is related to who.
 
McDonnell, McCallum, Leatherman and Hill,
Orr and O’Brien, and don’t forget Orgill.
Another family for which we all care
Is Ware and Ware and Ware and Ware.
 
Some are born here, some just met here.
But you can’t deny, that like little rabbits
With such naughty habits, each one simply multiplied.
 
All the Connetts, all the Mosses,
And the Heitners and Mudds,
The Millions and Whiteheads,
The Lelands and Gardners,
These are related too.
So watch what you say to who.
 
Thank heaven for little girls sung by Ginger and Chris Payne
Dance by the Parasol Chorus
 
 
Cocktail Gang sung to the tune of “Over There”
 
Now don’t get excited, you’ll be invited.
But where’s the party?
Over there.
 
See the group, on the stoop.
What a sight, every night, getting looped.
Oh, the booze is flowing, the group is glowing.
I really wish I was there.
 
It’s not fair, I’m not there,
And I doubt if they even care.
I just can’t stand it, we demand it.
Now where’s the party?
Over, over there.
 
G.G. Gang - sung to the tune of “Take me out to the ballpark”
 
Take me out to the GG.
Take me out for a drink.
Buy me a stinger or daiquiri.
I don’t care just as long as it’s free.
Now it’s June, July and then August.
So just remember, my dear,
Drink, dance, be happy tonight.
On the Belvedere.
 
Finale-sung to the tune of “Cabaret” (everyone join the cast and singing)
 
What good is summer without a big show.
To hear the music play.
Life is a Cabaret, old chum.
We love the Cabaret.
 
Forget your troubles and never feel low.
Laugh about yesterday.
Life is a Cabaret, old chum.
We love our Cabaret.
 
We bring you cheer.
We bring you song.
The Belvedere is celebrating.
Every year our cast is waiting.
 
Never a summer without a big end.
Two we see your smile again.
Life is a Cabaret, old chum.
We love our Cabaret.