Evelyn Falconer performing at the last Broadway Buffet. Photo / Thomas Falconer
Evelyn Falconer performing at the last Broadway Buffet. Photo / Thomas Falconer
By definition, the good old Kiwi buffet is a meal where guests serve themselves from a variety of sumptuous dishes.
However, an upcoming charity fundraiser, Broadway Buffet, is set to satisfy the masses with a smorgasbord of songs rather than with food.
Local singing legend, music teacher and organiser of the event Evelyn Falconer told the Rotorua Daily Post what she would perform would be a surprise.
"The interesting thing about this show is that the guests get to choose what I sing on the night. They pick their favourite songs, from a set menu of the world's most popular musicals. The waitresses collect and collate the song choices and I get the list just before the show starts."
The songs range from the golden era of musicals right through to today including, Moon River and The Girl In 14G.
Falconer organised a Broadway Buffet show for charity back in August to much delight from guests so she decided to repeat it, this time for Rotorua Hospice, a charity close to her heart.
Rotorua Hospice cared for her parents in their final weeks and fundraising for the charity has been a huge thing for the family.
"Singing is something I can do. And to give back is a very easy thing to do because they do such wonderful work."
"We wondered how it would go because of the [second] lockdown. There were people coming from Auckland but then couldn't leave. We still sold out. Everybody really enjoyed themselves."
Comments on the Facebook event page from those who managed go agreed. They ranged from "Thanks for a wonderful evening of talent and entertainment," to "talented entertainer with the sweetest voice" and "loved the Buffet, thanks Evelyn".
Evelyn Falconer performing at the last Broadway Buffet. Photo / Thomas Falconer
The family's fundraising efforts haven't gone unnoticed by Rotorua Hospice fundraising and marketing co-ordinator Denise Byrne.
"Evelyn and her family have been long-time supporters. She approached us offering to run Broadway Buffet and we were delighted."
Rotorua Hospice is 50 per cent funded by the Lakes District Health Board which leaves an annual shortfall of $1 million. While they tried to mitigate this through their shop, grants, sponsorship and events, Byrne admitted 2020 had been a tough year.
"Unfortunately we had to cancel our biggest annual fundraiser, Harcourts Dancing for Hospice."
While hospice services were free to patients and their whānau, Byrne said it cost a lot to provide them.
"We are incredibly lucky that our Rotorua community is so supportive of Hospice and the work that we do.
"One ticket to the Broadway Buffet show could pay for our emergency, 24-hour call line, for a month. Two tickets would pay for a nurse to visit a patient in their own home.
"If you can't make it to the Broadway Buffet show, there are other ways to support us. Visit our shop, buy a Volcanic Kitchens cookbook or make a donation on the website www.rotoruahospice.co.nz."
What you need to know What: Broadway Buffet Show Tickets $25 pp Who: Songs performed by local singing legend Evelyn Falconer When: October 31. Doors open 7pm. Show starts 7.30pm Where: Rotorua Girls High School Performing Arts Centre (the school hall), NOT the Events Centre How: Numbers are limited. Essential to pre-book via: thegirlcansing9@gmail.com. Door sales in cash and eftpos only. Refreshments: Tea, coffee and cake available during interval.
