COLUMBUS, Ohio — "Don't Tell Gretta" is a one-of-a-kind weekly piano cabaret in Columbus that features a variety of singers and performers and is hosted by Gretta Goodbottom.
"I am a drag queen who happens to have a master's in music and is a very accomplished piano player," explained Goodbottom. "So, every week I invite local theater people, sometimes Broadway people pop in, bands, all sorts of singers, and they present a live cabaret with me accompanying them."
The performers not only entertain the audience, but regularly include them in the show.
Describing the show as "bar theater," Goodbottom explained, "You are welcome to get up, grab another drink, go to the bathroom, hang out, sing along, participate - there will be games where people from the audience [are] brought on stage and encouraged to participate in what's happening."
March 7-10, Goodbottom is teaming with friend and fellow performer Naomi Wayne for a special spoof show entitled "Daylight Save the World" that pokes fun at all things James Bond.
"The evil Bond-esque villain - whose name can't be said on TV - is attempting to steal daylight to make her own star brighter," Goodbottom explained. "We have to swing in at the nick of time; there are plenty of martinis - shaken, not stirred - [and] plenty of fun innuendos."
A lifelong resident of Columbus, Goodbottom has worked with many performance groups in central Ohio.
"We have this huge, vibrant community - this diverse community - and yet we all know each other," she said. "It's not so big that you can't meet and work with everyone. It's just one big family."
"Don't Tell Gretta" piano cabaret show is live Sundays at District West in downtown Columbus and the show "Daylight Save the World" runs March 7-10. For links to showtimes and ticket information, visit https://districtwest614.com/tc-events/daylight-saves-the-world-march-9th/.