By George Basler
For one night only, Binghamton High School’s main cafeteria is going to be turned into a cabaret. After a scoring a big hit last year, the Rod Serling School of Fine Arts in association with the high school’s culinary arts class is again presenting “A Taste of Broadway.” On the bill next Wednesday (May 23) will be s a sampling of tasty desserts and a selection of show tunes.
Audience members can snack on seven different desserts, ranging from butterscotch brownies to apple danish to cheesecake, prepared by the 108 students in the culinary arts class. While snacking, they’ll listen to performances by the drama students. Shows represented this year include Evita, Wicked and Damn Yankees.
The cabaret is a collaborative effort of Patrick Rae, culinary arts teacher; Ariana Zbrzezny, drama teacher, and Larry Kassan, director of special projects for the city school district. Organizers view it as a win-win-win proposition. Drama students get to show off their individual talents. Culinary arts students plan the recipies and prepare the desserts. And the high school gets a chance to promote itself to the community.
Last year, organizers planned for 60 people. A total of 155 showed up, making it “a great kick off,” Rae said. This year, all 155 slots for desserts have already sold out, he said. However,  tickets are still available for people who want to come just to listen to the performances and possibly beg a dessert off somebody else’s plate.
The cabaret begins at 7:30 p.m. on May 23. Reservations are suggested, because seating is limited to about 200 people. Reservations can be made by calling (607) 762-8202.