We know she can cook, sing and make people laugh, but what we don't know is exactly what the exuberant, extremely talented Tutti Perricone will do with a stage all to herself when the spotlight shines.

Perricone, who is best known as the proprietor of the Back Street Café in Middleburg, is shedding only sparks of light on her upcoming Totalli Tutti show.

"It's a cabaret-style show with lots of surprises," said Perricone.

Totalli Tutti will be playing at the Middleburg Community Center at 8 p.m. May 20 and 21. Perricone said that she expects the show to last approximately one and a half hours with no intermission.

Perricone, who is a lifelong Middleburg resident and graduate of Loudoun County High School, said that for years her customers and friends have been asking her when she would do a one-woman show.

"I really love this business," Perricone said about her restaurant, "but I like to be able to step back and do other things, too."

The requests, coupled with her fondness of fundraising for worthy organizations gave Perricone the idea to put on this suspenseful show to benefit the Creative Youth Theater Foundation.

"I feel really strongly about this foundation," said Perricone, "it is helping a lot of kids who, otherwise, wouldn't have a chance to be involved in theatre. Even if people can't come out to see the show, I encourage them to donate to the foundation."

The Creative Youth Theater Foundation, also located in Middleburg, was founded by Hills School teacher and long-time friend of Perricone, Tom Sweitzer. Since theatre is his forte, Sweitzer has been instrumental in helping Perricone organize her production.

Also helping to bring the show to center stage is Musical Director Joseph Kanon, whose resume includes arranging and orchestrating music for Seals & Crofts and Pia Zadora as well as serving as vocal coach on the original movie set of Annie, starring Carol Burnett.

"Joe is an unbelievable piano player and has been a good friend of mine for many years," said Perricone.

Although Perricone is hoping to entice people to come see the show by building suspense as to what, exactly, the show will include, she did let a few of the details slip.

"It's definitely a family show. It's going to be fun, uplifting, entertaining with a lot of variety and people will see a musical side of me that they've never seen before, it's very exciting," said Perricone.

She said that she will be performing songs written by Kanon and Sweitzer as well as songs that the audience will recognize.

Knowing her bubbly, witty personality, one may be confident that humor will play a big role in the show.

"Well, I will be talking to the audience between songs and you just never know what will come out of my mouth," said Perricone, "it won't be a comedy routine, though."

Perricone said that she has been singing all her life and thoroughly enjoys it, but that it wasn't until Sweitzer moved to Middleburg 10 years ago that Perricone started taking voice lessons.

In addition to running her now nearly 20-year old café, Perricone enjoys taking part in many of Sweitzer's productions and is thrilled to now have him aiding her own show to benefit his foundation.

Perricone also mentioned how grateful she is to her many sponsors who are making it possible for her be able to afford to donate every penny the ticket sales to the Creative Youth Theater Foundation. Tickets are on sale at the Hills School Box Office and are $25 apiece. To purchase tickets by phone, call 540-687-3761.