SNL alumna Ana Gasteyer to perform cabaret show at SJU

Looking for a rousing and highly entertaining show for that date night or friends’ outing?

Well, you’re in luck, as a hugely successful singing, acting and comedic sensation will be bringing her talents to Saint John’s University.

Ana Gasteyer, a six-season veteran of “Saturday Night Live,” will be performing her cabaret show “I’m Hip” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 20, at the Stephen B. Humphrey Theater on the SJU campus as part of the Fine Arts Series at SJU and the College of Saint Benedict.

Gasteyer is a well-known performer in many mediums. In addition to her SNL stint, she has performed in numerous Broadway shows such as “Wicked” and “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” She has also appeared in movies like “Wine Country” and TV shows including “Suburgatory” and “The Goldbergs.”

For her album and touring show “I’m Hip,” Gasteyer has sought to create the experience of a classic, rousing cabaret show. Expect to be transported back to the era where a lady ruled the nightclub, full of glitz, glamour and presence.

Her website states, “From songs like “One Mint Julep” and “Proper Cup of Coffee” to a surprisingly smooth rendition of Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats,” Gasteyer’s saucy selections tell stories with humor, heartbreak … and just a little splash of soda.

“Her vibe recalls that of a time when entertainers truly entertained, an era when a (woman) could bring home the bacon, swing a set of sultry standards and still be a gracious hostess,” the website said. “Ana’s heroes are those fun-loving (women) who downed a cocktail, donned a dress and fronted a band of dapper gents in sharp suits wielding shiny horns.”

The New York Times said that her strong singing voice “can stir up quite the storm” and The Boston Globe praised her “serious vocal chops.”

“The whole set list played this way, a jumbled mix of fast-paced, funny songs mixed with slower, more thoughtful ones, to the point where it felt a bit like emotional whiplash, but it was done so well you almost wanted to thank her for the experience,” said Broadway World.

Be prepared to experience a mix of classic cabaret and modern performance, with some of Gasteyer’s classic SNL wit mixed in.

Tickets are $30 for adults, $27 for seniors, and $23 for CSB/SJU faculty and staff. Youth and students (with ID) get in for $15, and CSB/SJU student tickets are $10.

For tickets, call the Benedicta Arts Center Box Office at 320-363-5777 or order online.

There will also be a post-performance meet-and-greet with Gasteyer immediately following the performance in the Great Hall, SJU. Light appetizers and refreshments will be served, and a cash bar will be available.

This performance is sponsored in part by EL-JAY Plumbing.

The activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.