2026 Cabaret Preview

Oklahoma Christian University’s annual Cabaret show is right around the corner, showcasing performances by some of the university’s music students in a lively program of music, choreography, and entertainment.

Director Dan Bircher said preparations for this year’s Cabaret show began last year, laying the groundwork for a more polished production.

“Last year we began laying the foundation for growth in Cabaret and this year moved back into Judd and were able to add a couple of production elements to the show as well,” Bircher said. “I see Cabaret as an important part of the overall experience singers and performers gain at Oklahoma Christian.”

A music student selected this year’s Cabaret theme, shaping the show’s creative vision.

“The theme is ‘Spotlight Odyssey: A Journey in Song.’ The title was picked out by Ella Shain, our student band leader, who has been involved in planning Cabaret all year,” Bircher said. “This show covers a variety of styles of music and dance, including a tap number from ‘Mary Poppins Returns.’ It is an exciting show!”

Senior Hannah Blair has participated in every Cabaret show since her freshman year. She said her favorite part is building relationships with fellow castmates each year.

“My favorite part about being in Cabaret is probably how close the cast always gets. It’s always small, and we have a very short rehearsal process. So we all spend a lot of time with each other for really stressful small amounts of time,” Blair said. “We all become really close, and we all just get to be really good friends. And I really love that. And I also love singing and dancing.”

Blair said her favorite piece in the show this year is the finale.

“I like our closer, which is a classic that a lot of people will know,” Blair said. “I won’t spoil what it is, but a lot of people will know that one, so that’s really fun.”

Freshman Braxton Driskill said he is excited for his first Cabaret show and the opportunity to be part of a longstanding tradition.

“I am super excited. I’ve heard that in the past couple years, Cabaret was in Adams, and now we’re in Judd, and so we get to have a little bit more room and do some bigger spectacle things, which I think is really exciting,” Driskill said. “I’m excited to be able to do that as a freshman and start out in Judd that way. And I was also pleasantly surprised by the fun choreography and things, and so I’m super excited to get to be a part of that, and for people to get to see all the work we put in. I think they’re gonna be really impressed. So I’m excited for people’s reactions.”

The show promises something for everyone, and Blair and Driskill encourage staff, students, family members and more to come see the show.

“Come because it’s gonna be a fun time. I think that there’s something for everybody in it. It’s got fun songs, slow ones, funny songs, and serious ones, and they’re also just a ton of really talented members in there,” Blair said. “We’ve all worked really hard, and our choreographer has worked really, really hard and given us some great dances.”

“It’s gonna be super entertaining. I think there’s gonna be a lot of times where you are just kind of like, hyped up. You’re like, into it, and you’re kind of feeling the vibes like we are because I think we’re all gonna be having a good time,” Driskill said. “And I think some arrangements of the songs are gonna be super pleasing to your ear. So I think the spectacle of it and the movement and everything is just gonna catch your eye so fast that you won’t get bored.”
Cabaret will be showing on the weekend of Feb. 5-7 at 7:30 p.m. in Judd Theatre. Admission is free for faculty, staff, and students on Thursday evening. Friday tickets can be purchased for $12 online, and Saturday tickets can also be purchased for $12 online.