Meet Bob Chesney

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Sed ut perspiciatis unde.

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Bob Chesney. Bob was introduced to us by the brilliant and talented Erin Carere.

Bob, can you walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Bob & Nancy Chesney created a Musical Review concept named Nancy’s Cabaret, and introduced it on February 16, 2019 to an adult community audience in Orange County California.

The 120-minute program, performed in two acts featured classic songs from hit Broadway Musicals such as Oklahoma, My Fair Lady, Man of La Mancha, West Side Story, Cabater, Phantom of the Opera, Guys and Dolls, Anything Goes, Les Miserables and several other shows. Four talented performers (2 Men & 2 Women) sang the songs accompanied by professional music tracks to the delight of over 100 residents.

In creating “Broadway Classics” the newly married couple were inspired by the Dutch musical conductor, Andre Rieu who regularly sells out large venues worldwide. Bob and Nancy slowly developed their concerts to include music that was not available to mature audiences in Orange County. They quickly realized that using a “Cabaret” format, they could create more than a concert…a musical experience where the audience became an integral part of the productions.

By recruiting professionals with musical theater experience who could bring the selections to life, the Chesney’s created a “win-win-win” relationship with their performers. First, they engaged performers who already knew the majority of the material, so there was no need for costly rehearsals to learn new songs. Second, using lush orchestral tracks, there was money to decently compensate the four singers for a Sunday afternoon of enjoyable work, provided they were not already booked elsewhere in town. And third, by exposing their talents to an appreciative audience, the performers were encouraged to promote their availability to do private events or showcase their talents to prospective opportunities.

Now in its fifth year, Nancy’s Cabaret has become a fundraising vehicle for organizations in addition to filling the beautiful Baci Restaurant in Huntington Beach, California on selected Sunday afternoons each month. Every concert is a different production and the restaurant offers a marvelous price-fixed dinner with salad, appetizers, desert and a choice of four entrees.

We’ve heard great things about your organization. For our readers who might not be as familiar, can you please tell them about the organization?
Unlike community theaters and larger venues that feature Broadway shows with traveling casts, Nancy’s Cabaret offers top, local professional talent in a cozy, Cabaret environment followed by a delicious dinner without leaving the beautiful Baci Restaurant. Because more than half of every audience are repeat customers, most are known by name to the personable hosts, Bob & Nancy Chesney. Many of the supporters move freely about the venue during the breaks and dinner to chat with friends they’ve gotten to know thanks to Nancy’s Cabaret.

Erin Carere has been a great friend to us and I know you’ve got a great relationship as well. Maybe you can tell our audience a bit about Erin and your experience with them.
Erin Carere, is the consumate professional. Her musical talents are only matched by her professionalism in acting as our musical director. No matter the genre of music for any show we do, she is always the first female we offer the opportunity to. The audiences rave about her. She has boundless energy, a positive role model for all of our performers and a beautiful and charming woman.