Despite the fact that Signal Mountain resident Michael Huseman drew most of his inspiration for his new show from his own life, “Life, Love, & Laughter: A Valentine’s Day Cabaret” is not too revealing of his own love life. Rather, the production, filled with love songs, speaks a universal language, he said.
“The best songs are the ones that become universal,” he said. “It’s a neat thing to know someone will identify with it [the play] in their own way.”
His cabaret has been performed before in various forms in New York and New Jersey, where Huseman used to live, but the first performance in the Chattanooga area is Friday and Saturday, Feb. 14-15 at 8 p.m. at the Artistic Civic Theatre in Dalton, Ga.
“The theater lends itself perfectly to this type of cabaret,” Huseman said of the venue.
He met the proprietors recently at a party and they proposed he do a show there, he added.
The play features a compilation of original songs written by Huseman over the past 15 years, as well as his Grammy-winning song “You Came into My Life” and one new song written specifically for this show.
“Most of the love songs were written for my wife while we were dating and getting married,” he said.
The two-act play lasts approximately an hour and 45 minutes.
“There’s a women’s trio that’s really hilarious,” said Huseman, and their lament on men titled “Ah, Men” is followed by a men’s trio titled “You Just Can’t Win.” “I’m really proud of the show and the way it’s come together.”
The cabaret also features quotes from famous people about love and several sketches of dialogue, he said.
Live CDs of the show will be available for purchase on Huseman’s website, michaelhuseman.com.
“Anyone who comes to the show will be a part of the CD experience,” he said.
All seats are $15 and tables of four are available.