Cabaret is a French word. Translated, it means a small room, a little tavern, or a shop that sells spirits.

Reji Woods translates it as a lively stage performance, an energetic floor show that features dancing, comedy and singing.

"Audiences can expect a fun time full of joy and exuberance, excellent voices and killer musicians," said Woods. "We truly love to connect with our audiences and raise the roof, and boy oh boy do we ever. Audiences are everything. They are why we do what we do, and without them Reji Woods Productions wouldn't exist. Providing fun, quality entertainment is why I started this, and it's all I have ever wanted to do."

Woods is the executive director, creative director and driving force behind Reji Woods Productions, a local cabaret-style entertainment company. In addition to cabarets tailored to audiences' preferences, Reji Woods Productions produces youth programming, musicals, plays, showcases, concerts and revues.

"I believe that entertainment brings us together in a very divided world," said Woods. "Music shows us our commonalities as a people and helps promote emotional response. It honestly is the universal language. Theater can entertain and educate because we as theater performers hold a mirror to society, showing the current state of things while offering hope for a better tomorrow. Dance can bring awe like nothing can, with the simple use of the human body. All these forms of performing arts are storytelling at their core and can offer audiences the chance to escape the harsh realities of life, if just for a moment. The performing arts can change lives."

Reji Woods Productions works with and collaborates with a diverse group of performers and artists from the Susquehanna Valley and beyond. Some are professionals, some are students and some are co-workers, but Woods considers all of them friends.

"Many people know me as a performer in the area, and much of that work has been done under the Reji Woods Productions banner," said Woods, a resident of Ephrata. "So, I hope that translates to knowing the company. I think what they should know and expect from Reji Woods Productions is that every show is programmed by me and filled with genuine love, care and a desire to give our audiences a good time. We have fun on that stage every time, and audiences should feel it in their seats."

Reji Woods Productions, which is funded primarily through performance contracts, produces as many as 10 shows each year. Those performances are staged at cultural series, churches, performing arts centers, dinner theaters, retirement communities and private venues.

"Our goal is to bring quality, theme-driven cabaret experiences to the Lancaster County area," said Woods, "all while providing a variety of entertainment options for our community. We love to bring positive energy and joy."

Reji Woods Productions was born from a solo cabaret produced by Woods in 2015. Since then, it has realized a fair share of success by adopting a people-first, community-oriented attitude.

"The best part of Reji Woods Productions is the people," said Woods. "Whether it's the people I share the stage with or the audiences we entertain, it's all about connection, and that's the best part. My favorite thing to do, however, is to perform. Singing and connecting with an audience is the lifeblood of my existence. Since I was 9 years old, singing has brought me immeasurable joy."

For more information, visit http://www.rejiwoodsproductions.com.