​Avis Somerville Is Producer Of The Winton Club Cabaret

The Winton Club of Winchester, a non-profit women's volunteer organization dedicated exclusively to supporting Winchester Hospital in service and fundraising activities, is pleased to announce Avis Somerville as this year’s producer for the annual Winton Club Cabaret, “A Message In The Music”, which will be performed January 30 – February 3, 2018 at the Winchester Town Hall Auditorium, 71 Mt. Vernon St, Winchester.

Avis has had the pleasure of performing in the Winton Club Cabaret since 1993 – this is her 25th year! She stated, “How else to celebrate your 25th year performing? I was so pleased when the President Deb Ciarcia asked me to be the producer.”

She continued, “I have been a volunteer merchandise buyer for the Winton Club Gift Shop in several capacities, most notably as a gift buyer, a toy buyer, and this year I am assisting the main jewelry buyer.”

A tap dancer, who continually takes lessons, and had the opportunity to take class with tap great Gregory Hines, Avis was urged to join the cast in 1993 by Karen Bernard, owner of Karen Bernard School of Dance in Winchester, and a member of the Winton Club. She still remembers her thrill at performing in the finale of the show to “42nd Street.” After that, she was hooked.

Through the years, Avis has met many other cast members and has forged lasting friendships. In 2010, another cast member, Greg Chastain, invited Avis and several other cast members, to join him as chorus members with the group “Voices of Hope”, a group of musical performers whose mission is to raise funds for the fight against cancer. They have delightedly participated in several performances.

Raised in Burlington, MA, and employed with the MA Department of Mental Health, Ms. Somerville moved to Winchester in 1989. In addition to her volunteer activities in the Winton Club and her tap dancing, she enjoys reading, crafting and sewing.

During show week one year, when she wasn’t yet a member of the Winton Club, Avis let the cat out of the bag about her sewing ability, and was quickly recruited to help out the costume committee. Because of her school commitments, Avis was not able to commit to the Winton Club membership. Once she finished up school, she joined the membership. That was in 2001.

Avis is one of five sisters, three of whom she lives with. They are commonly known around Winchester as the “Somerville Sisters” and adored for their smiles and friendly personalities.

Having been in many performances of the annual cabaret, Avis has used her show experiences to gradually piece together her own musical and dance production.

Ms. Somerville is very excited about her creative team – Director Paul Webster Green, Music Director Ian Chin, Choreographer Mary Mazzulli. They bring to the table many years of experience with their respective positions and Avis looks forward to their enthusiastic collaboration for this unique show.

“A Message InThe Music” includes song choices that will stimulate your thoughts, provoke your memories and make you think about the songs in the symphony of your life. You will find yourself tapping your feet, snapping your fingers, dancing in your chairs, and smiling throughout this upbeat show.

The cast members of the show has many folks who come back every year to support our hospital. The cast are all local talent who volunteer their time for this cause. It is a joy for the audience to watch the performance and see the cast enjoy sharing their talent. Avis is looking forward to seeing returning cast members and seeing some new faces at auditions.

The show dates are January 30 – February 3 in the Winchester Town Hall auditorium at 70 Mt. Vernon St. Please join us. For more information about auditions and the show, please visit www.wintonclub.org or contact Rosemary McCormack at 339-222-2506.

Winton Cabaret is a great tradition and always enormous fun. Light refreshments, beer and wine, and amazing prize opportunities are available. PLEASE JOIN US!