On November 10, 2011, the stage of the Baldwin Auditorium was brought to life by the talented MHS music department. Raising money for music scholarships, the students performing at Cabaret night shared their passion for singing with friends, family, and teachers as they proved just what a wonderful mixture of style and ability they have among them. Outside the auditorium, the Tri-M society held a bake sale for the satisfaction of any cravings for sweets that arose in the spellbound audience.
Hosting the Cabaret Night were the equally talented seniors Alexa Arent, David Sherlock, Sam Mussorfiti, and Sara Dramer. With hysterical interludes between each of the songs, these four seniors kept the audience laughing all night long. It was this humor that brought the audience into each song before even the first note was sung. Accompanist Steve Altinel also offered his superb piano skill to the dynamism of the night.
Back stage, music filled the orchestra room as the singers warmed up their voices. Mrs. Dempsey and Mrs. Greene, the two teachers who made Cabaret Night possible, were eager to see their students perform. Mrs. Dempsey expressed this enthusiasm, saying, “I’m very excited to see so many talented kids having the chance to share their talent for the benefit of other students and music scholarships.”
When asked for her thoughts regarding her own Cabaret experience, senior Bridget Jordan replied, “I’m really happy Cabaret Night came back this year. It’s my first and last Cabaret, and I’m ready to enjoy it.” When asked to describe Cabaret Night in a few words, Viki Gungor gave two: “It’s magical.”
Cabaret Night was split into two acts, each with its own diverse assortment of music and performers. The first act contained a beautiful assortment of Broadway classics, such as “For Good” from the award-winning musical Wicked and “The Winner Takes it All” from Mamma Mia! With such a lovely selection of songs performed impeccably well, the audience was given a taste of Broadway that could only be found at MHS.
The second act featured several Disney pieces, including a spectacular rendition of “Zero to Hero” from Disney’s Hercules that filled the auditorium with soulful music worthy of a professional gospel choir. Senior Alexa Arent closed the show with an exquisite performance of “Home” from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. “It’s been an amazing experience to be able to work with people I haven’t worked with before and to see the amazing talent we have at MHS,” said Alexa, asserting her enjoyment of the night that seemed to be shared by all who were involved.
Cabaret Night was a complete success, worthy of only the highest praise. It was a true display of our the school’s phenomenal music department, and it is surely a unanimous hope felt by all those who attended that the performance that it will return next year.