The Drama Club marked their third annual alumni cabaret on Oct. 12, announcing that this year’s show will be “The Drowsy Chaperone.” Each year, the Drama Club holds an alumni cabaret to feature performances from previous Drama Club members, choir members, directors and others involved in the arts at the high school.
Two years ago, Ms. Heather Giammaria and Ms. Debrah Evans, Drama Club directors, decided to switch things up and announce the musical through alumni performances. The cabaret and announcement were a hit so it was decided to maintain the tradition in the following year. This year became the third, permitting the Drama Club to announce the musical through hints given by the speakers.
“I am always so excited to find out which musical the club will perform for the year. I love watching all of my friends and seeing the hard work they put in.” Anabella Daniele (10) said.
Students, staff, and parents look forward to the cabaret and announcement of the musical each year. Those who auditioned for the musical, as well as those hoping to participate in the stage crew, eagerly look forward to finding out which show they will be performing for the school year. This year, cabaret performances featured Ms. Jennifer Newman (’96), Kayla Hezdik (’09), Suzanne Estabrook (’10), Rylie Cousins (’15), Alyson Horner (’20), Lauren Ipson (’04), Stephanie Mayle (’09), Zachary Malinak (’13), Emma Cumberledge (’16) and Ivy Tavern (’20). Student Drama Club members were invited to participate in the cabaret as well. Senior Drama Club members sang the opening number, “When I Grow Up,” accompanied by younger Drama Club members singing from their auditorium seats.
The directors try to find ways to make the announcement creative and exciting for the audience. Giammaria and Evans implemented a box that gave audience members a chance to submit their guesses as to what the musical might be. Each guess was reviewed and those who guessed correctly had an opportunity to win a free ticket to the show in the spring. Numerous members of the Drama Club expressed confidence in their assumptions, given the hints. Many guessed the musical to be “The Little Mermaid,” “High School Musical,” “Hairspray,” “Mean Girls,” “Mamma Mia” and “The Seussical.”
“I have been wanting to do The Drowsy Chaperone, and the hints left along the way led me to it. I was so excited, words couldn’t even describe it. I was jumping up and down, cheering, and beyond excited,” Abigail Hunter (12) said.
Hunter was ecstatic to find out her guess was correct, as the hints continued to support her assumption. She was thrilled about the musical chosen for this school year because it is filled with chaos and comedy. She is excited for the cast to be revealed and rehearsals to start.
Callbacks were set to take place on Oct. 25, permitting the directors to determine the cast. The cast list was released shortly after callbacks, and rehearsals will begin as soon as possible to give the cast and crew ample time to prepare for opening night. The show will take place in the spring; however, specific dates have not yet been determined.