Juniors Aylah Mendenhall, Mira Bhasin, Maddie McAfee, and Sidney Edson clap their hands as they sing. (Courtesy/Cindy Wilson)

On Friday evening, April 18th, Academy’s Upper School choirs put on their annual Cabaret concert. Performances included several group numbers, solos, and small group performances. 

This performance is less formal than the groups’ concerts held in the theatre, as the singers forwent their long black dresses and tuxedos for clothes that matched the evening’s space-themed event , which was held in the Dining Hall.

Another element that makes Cabaret unique is that it is planned entirely by the seniors members of Camerata and Treble Choir. 

Gray, black, blue, and white lanterns, resembling planets and moons were suspended from the ceiling, while lanterns sat on the tables, and shiny garland draped the railings of the risers to match the “outer space” theme.

To start the evening, both choirs entered the Dining Hall, singing the concert’s namesake piece: “Cabaret” from the musical Cabaret. Then, senior MC’s Vince Allen and Mike Boeckman took the stage to welcome the audience and deliverer some space-themed puns and banter. 

Treble Choir was up first, performing “Defying Gravity” from the Broadway musical, Wicked. Next,  Camerata sang “Counting Stars” by the pop band, OneRepublic. The seniors closed the evening with “Baby, Now That I Found You,” written by Tony Macaulay and John MacLeod. In a touching moment partway through the song, each senior left the stage and presented red roses to their parents.

Before everyone left, Camerata president, Emily Munster, and Vice President, Julia Leet, thanked choir director, Mrs. Brooks, and piano accompanist, Mrs. Jennifer Kristoff, with heartfelt words and bouquets of flowers. 

Cabaret 2018 was a huge success, as evidenced by the audience’s many standing ovations and thunderous applauses throughout the night. It was an excellent performance and engaging continuation of an Academy tradition.