LIFE IS A CABARET: ROBYN HOSP AND MIKE DUMEY PUTTING ON A SHOW AT GALLERIA GRILL

The first rule for a cabaret performer is an easy rule to repeat but a difficult one to master: Know how to sell a song to an audience. Mike Dumey and Robyn Hosp are selling with enthusiasm.

Dumey and Hosp opened their cabaret act at the Galleria Grill in the Plaza Galleria Friday and Saturday to packed houses. The duo will perform again for the next two weekends at the Grill.

Because the response has been so overwhelming -- this weekend's shows are nearly sold out and next week's are filling up quickly -- the management of the Grill has negotiated with Dumey and Hosp for encore performances the last weekend of August and the first two weekends of September.

"We've found a home," Hosp said in response to the welcome the duo has received from the audience and management of the Grill.

The comfort level between the two performers is obvious from the moment they set foot on stage. Each seems to know when to take the lead and when to support the other performer. Neither fights for control of the microphone or more time in the spotlight.

Dumey and Hosp have developed that comfort level over the years, ever since they first began performing together in high school more than 20 years ago. Dumey, who directed music for New McKendree United Methodist Church at the time, worked with Hosp in several musical productions with the church, including a tour with the musical "Godspell."

Dumey now teaches music at Schultz School and Hosp is a full-time mother.

Since that time, they have had numerous opportunities to work together in churches and in cabaret acts. They were both part of a group called Spotlight Tonight that performed various times at Port Cape Restaurant and at Bent Creek.

But this time, said Hosp, it's just Mike and Robyn.

Part of the reason was the size of the stage and the room in which they are performing. Even with the small stage on which they perform, the dining hall of the Galleria Grill will hold between 125 and 140 people.

The result, however, is a intimate show that allows for close interaction between the performers and the audience.

The show, 90 percent of which is new for Dumey and Hosp, is divided into two sets. The first half consists of pop music ranging from versions of '70s hits like Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" and the Village People's "YMCA" to the song "Only Wanna Be with You," made popular by Hootie and the Blowfish.

The highlight of the first half is a stirring combination of "Unchained Melody" and "I Will Always Love You."

The second set is made up of country music hits and more inspirational songs, including a rousing rendition of the old Manhattan Transfer classic "Operator."

It is the variety of the show that Hosp really enjoys.

"How many times can you sing 'Hot Stuff' and turn around and sing (the contemporary Christian song) 'For All the World'?" she asked.

Warming up the audience for Dumey and Hosp are five of Dumey's former students -- Matt Brandt, Ben Carter, Mackenzie Price, Elizabeth Hooker and Jenny Goncher. The five not only serve as waiters and waitresses for the dinner that is included with the show, but also belt out renditions of pop and country hits before the actual show begins.

Although they are just high school students, the five display vocal talents and stage presence far beyond their years.

Tickets for the dinner and cabaret are $16.95. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 651-1042.