By Michael Buzzelli
On August 22, an extravaganza of talent from Pennsylvania and Ohio merged in the middle (Youngstown, Ohio, barely across the PA border) with “Bang Bang,” a variety show starring sisters Ingrid and Jewel Ullrich and a plethora of performers.
“Bang Bang” is a Cabaret Soleil; part cabaret, part circus act, with a smidgen of burlesque. It’s bawdy and a bit risqué, but teeters on the line without going over it. However, the Emcee pushed the line as far as he could.
The show opens with a Master of Ceremonies, Vaughn Man (Vaughn Hudspath, the aforementioned Emcee), who, throughout the evening, has more costume changes than the dancers. He was a cowboy, cop, and a leather daddy, practically all of the Village People. Hudspath has near-scandalous interactions with the audience, riffing with theatergoers, spitting out sometimes shocking off-the-cuff remarks. One well-timed barb could put him in the orbit with Lucy Darling, Jessica Kirson, and Matt Rife, making him nearly meme-worthy. One bad barb could put him in orbit with a punch in the mouth, especially when mocking Elliot Thornburg, Ullrich’s beau, a ju-jitsu instructor.
The show really begins when Ingrid Ullrich and Jennifer Milgram strut their stuff on the stage. The opening dance is beautifully choreographed.
Jewel Ullrich, Ingrid’s sister, is a powerhouse. Her voice is unmatched as she sings Broadway standards mixed with pop ballads. The Ullrich sisters sing a few duets that are highlights of the show.
Another dancing duo, Tycen Gardner and Judah Boyd, captivated the audience with their moves.
Featured guest artists (the Cleveland contingent) included Dr. Dan Wasdahl, a juggler balancing ten glass bowls on rods; aerial artist Julia Rabbit, gyrating above the ground on a spinning hoop; and Ayton Barrett and Erica Henrichsen, an acrobatic duo whose act incorporated hand-to-hand balancing and Icarian-style acrobatics.
Note: Icarian acrobatics is a traditional circus discipline in which one acrobat (the flyer) is tossed, caught, and juggled by another (the porter) using only their feet.
Multi-hyphenate producer Ingrid Ullrich selected an incredible bunch of performers, but make no mistake, she doesn’t just gather a coterie of talented performers; she shines as one herself. Ullrich is a terrific dancer, whether she’s a solo star, teaming up with Rabbit, or partnering with Gardner and Boyd.
Her sister Jewel is a phenomenal Broadway belter. She sings “Big Spender,” songs from “Chicago,” and the titular song, “Bang Bang.”
Watching Wasdahl balancing glass bowls is thrilling. If he doesn’t get your heart racing, Barrett and Henrichsen’s act surely will. Rabbit may stir similar feelings as she writhes around on her hoop.
There are some priceless audience interactions, a chair dance, a dance off and various tricks and treats for attendees.
Note: While Saturday’s show had an all-ages audience, it’s probably best to leave the kids at home if you’re unsure about the content. Variety is the spice of life, and “Bang Bang” will keep things spicy.
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You can catch the next iteration of “Bang Bang” on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at The Strand Theater, 119 North Main Street, Zelienople, PA 16063. For tickets and additional information, click here.
