Cabaret 2024 Preview

Oklahoma Christian University is gearing up to host their annual Cabaret show, featuring  different majors and minors from the music department. 

Sophomore and participant Kaycee Fender said the night will feature popular show tunes across the decades. 

“The theme of this year’s cabaret is Broadway Showstoppers. Our director, Caroline, wanted to create a show where everyone in the audience would find it fun and enjoyable,” Fender said. “This night of song and dance features all cast members singing show tunes from the heart. ” 

The featured songs in this year’s show will not only be memorable, but Fender also said they will cater to everyone’s musical tastes. 

“The compilation of songs come from musicals of all years and genres. We have songs ranging from Aladdin to Phantom of the Opera and everything in between,” Fender said. “I’m sure if you make it out, you will find something you will enjoy. Caroline worked hard to create a set list which included some of the best hits from broadway musicals, whether modern or from the golden age.”

The Cabaret cast began practicing last semester, which Fender said has helped her build a strong community. 

“I think my favorite part of the cabaret rehearsals has definitely been getting to know the people around me. Since January hit, we’ve been having late rehearsals most nights of the week, so we’ve been spending a lot of time together,” Fender said.“It’s been such a treat watching this show slowly come together. I love messing with my crew mates and just having a good time, which translates to a great show.” 

Although schedule conflicts and weather conditions have interfered with the show’s rehearsal time, Fender said the cast has done a great job of showing up and putting in the work. 

“The biggest challenge has definitely been trying to work with everyone’s schedule and having some changes in the show at the last minute. In the fall, we only rehearsed two hours a week, so coming back and having just a month to put a show on has been pretty challenging,” Fender said. “However, the cast has been doing a great job of being flexible when it came to added rehearsals because of winter weather or putting in some time over break. The show is coming along well, and I know a little weather isn’t going to stop us from putting on a great show in February.”

As shownight approaches, Fender said she hopes everyone will come support the students and their hard work. 

“Being a part of this production has been a true blessing. The cast is amazing, and I enjoy spending time with them. I look forward to performing on stage in just a few weeks and hope to see everyone there,” Fender said. “It’s free admission, so there’s no reason why I shouldn’t see you there. The cast, Caroline and Miho (our pianist) have put a lot of time and effort into this production.”

Fellow castmate Linsey Christian said Cabaret has not only been a fun experience, but also one which has taught her creative freedom within music. 

“Cabaret has helped me as a musician in the sense that it has taught me good music can still be carefree and fun,” Christian said. “We are doing only musical theater pieces for cabaret, which brings a lot of creative freedom to us while we’re performing.”

Although musical productions are under new direction since former director Dr. Kyle Pullen has left, Christian said the show would not be possible without this year’s director, Caroline Carter.

“Some of the challenges with this show definitely stem from our former director, Dr. Kyle Pullen, not overseeing it, and a lot of times, there is a lot of adjustment to be done when a director leaves,” Christian said. “Everybody has an opinion and is used to a version of cabaret Pullen followed, so the difficulty lies with us still wanting to have a good show without him here, and I think Caroline has been doing her very best to make that happen.”

Christian said she is excited for the audience to experience new music with this year’s show. 

“I’m excited for the audience to hear a lot of super recognizable musical theater songs they will be able to follow along with,” Christian said. “I also am excited for the audience to hear some songs they may not have heard but have the same level of technicality and musicianship as the others.”

Cabaret will be showing on the weekend of Feb. 1-3 at 7:30 p.m. in Adams Recital Hall. Admission is free.