Tibbie’s
provides dinner, ’40s entertainment
at
Queen Mary
By
Lesley Nickus
Summer Forty-Niner
Diversions Editor
For those looking for something to do in Long Beach, or even to plan a date
night, Tibbie’s at the Queen Mary is the place to go.
Currently in its eighth month, Tibbie’s offers show-goers entertainment,
food and fun. The cost of a ticket is $47.95 for adults and $27.95 for children.
Included in the price are a three-course dinner and an entertaining mix of
songs from the ’40s. There aren’t many places to go where you can
get a great meal and entertainment, all while visiting one of Long Beach’s
most famous landmarks—the Queen Mary.
Tibbie’s began when French soprano Marie LeRoy found herself in the United
States with nowhere to showcase her talents. After self-promoting for some
time, she married a wealthy banker who presented her with her own “Grand
Cabaret” theater. New Yorkers loved the shows, it was later re-named “Tibbie’s
Great American Cabaret,” and the rest is history.
Tibbie’s has venues both on the Queen Mary and in Santa Ana, where the
shows are larger and more extravagant. However, the setting on the Queen Mary
is very intimate. The tables are covered with black tablecloths, the seat backs
have covers that resemble tuxedos with red bowties and the breadbasket is,
in fact, a top hat turned upside down. This is only the beginning of the themed
experience.
Once seated, guests are able to socialize and get comfortable with their surroundings
while meeting their servers, who also happen to be the performers. The first
song on the bill is a customized rendition of “Give My Regards to Broadway,” where
they sing “Now it is time for salad, we’re gonna serve your Caesar
now...” while they serve the salad. To a guest expecting to hear regular
songs from the ’40s, the cute lyrics are a nice start to an entertaining
evening.
Following the salad, they serve the main course, sans a little ditty. Guests
have three options when it comes to their main course: salmon with lemon-dill
sauce, which I must say was divine, vegetarian pasta and a chicken-prime rib
combination, each served with vegetables and baked red potatoes.
There was a slight lull between the main course and the beginning of the show.
This was one of only two slightly negative aspects of the dinner theater experience.
Because the performers were also the servers, they had to be sure everyone
was served and plates were taken before they were able to change into their
costumes and perform. Although it was slightly awkward, the break did allow
time for conversation among the guests.
Once the show started, guests were able to experience the incredible vocal
talent of the performers, who were seasoned singers, some with backgrounds
in professional shows such as “West Side Story” and “Cinderella.” In
fact, two of the performers also work at Disneyland.
Songs ranged from less popular ’40s songs to songs that define the era
such as “Man Wanted” and “The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of
Company B.”
While the vocal talent was excellent, the choreography could use some improvement.
But given the small size of the stage and the close proximity to the audience,
the performers delivered a great first set.
During the intermission, dessert was served along with a song. Vanilla ice
cream with an Oreo cookie crumb topping was served in a glass with a flower
that resembled a flower pot. The song explained that the flowers were gifts
but they needed the pots back so they could grow more dessert.
The finale was a rendition of swing songs made popular in the ’90s by
the Brian Setzer Orchestra, such as “Zoot Suit Riot.”
Although $50 is a little steep for the average college student’s budget,
considering what is included in the price I would have to say this show is
a must-see for anyone who enjoys dinner theater. |
