By Miss Bouvee
The concept of a variety show is not new to Wilton Manors. However, there was definitely a void in town as no bar or cabaret was really presenting a live-singing version of the concept. The new variety show at The Well (formerly Hamburger Mary’s) titled The Well Sung Variety Show features reigning and rising stars of Wilton Manors, as well as the Fort Lauderdale area.
Not only is the new show taking place in a new bar, but The Well has enacted a $5 entertainment fee billed during the show. This appears to be a Wilton Manors first. In my January Bouvee Babble “We Love the Nightlife”, I even called for similar thinking. Perhaps it was foresight but it is in fact coincidence. But I am thankful for it. To clarify, the $5 does not go to the entertainment, it merely supplements the bar’s expenses in producing an artistically highly populated show like the Variety show. Most shows on the Drive feature up to 2 singers using tracks. Our show will feature up to 4 entertainers in many cases; one of which will be live pianist and musical director Rick Leonard. The overhead costs to produce a weekly show should go without saying, but it can be pricey. This is a move in the right direction as this modest fee, only billed during live shows, is helping to produce bigger and better shows all while helping to pay local entertainers a living wage! This is a good thing.
The concept of a variety show also helps introduce audiences to perhaps new or unknown talent, as well as introduces the bar and entertainment directors to the talent they may wish to invest in; such as a residency. It is truly how many of the current leading acts got residencies; by guesting or making special appearances in other performers’ shows. In short, variety shows help stimulate the performer pool and thus feed development of creativity which attracts patrons (local and tourist alike).
Finally, in contrast to the many all-request shows we performers offer weekly on the Drive, this show is predominantly a set list driven show. Meaning that the singers have decided their selections ahead of the show. As a result, many audiences in the early days of the show in April have commented “the artists bring their A-GAME.” Catch The Well Sung Variety Show at The Well (2426 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305) every single Thursday. Reservations are easily made from any smartphone using Google or Yelp! Seating begins at 6:00PM and the show begins at 7:00PM and runs for about 90 minutes.
