Cabaret 2023: We Got Your Number!

by: Selina Sun, senior

The cast of Cabaret “We Got Your Number” during the closing song.

Selina Sun playing the cello during Cabaret.

Another year, another Cabaret! This year’s theme was “We Got Your Number,” so the set list was filled with all-time favorites that have numbers in the title, such as Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” and Taylor Swift’s “22.” Starting from the beginning of second semester, about 110 elementary, middle, and high school students met in the PAB after school almost every day to learn the lyrics, harmonies, and dance moves of all the songs. The dance ensemble worked hard on their upbeat numbers, such as Prince’s “I Would Die 4 U,” and small groups of cast members mastered their vocal parts for more emotional songs like Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years” and Sam Smith’s “I’m Not The Only One.” The Rising Stars of the elementary brought the energy to all their rehearsals as they learned songs such as “Zero to Hero” from Hercules. This year’s show was extra special with Regina Spektor’s “Two Birds,” a small group number that featured ASL. I also had the privilege to play my cello in a rendition of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U.” After learning the tune and choreography of about 20 songs in one month of rehearsals (which was about as hard and hectic as it sounds), the cast was ready to put on a Cabaret worthy of the STJ stage for three nights in a row—February 9-11. All three nights’ tickets sold out fast as the STJ family showed their support for this year’s Cabaret, put together by directors Mr. Harrison and Dr. York, stage manager Lily Everett, 15% of the entire STJ student body (including cast and crew), and many others. The show nights were full of song, dance, excitement, and tears, especially on the last night—when the seniors performed on the Cabaret stage “one last time.” As a senior and a student who has been part of the STJ Performing Arts for about 6 years, I especially cherished Cabaret 2023 and all the sweet friends and amazing memories I made. I am so grateful that Saint James showcases the talent of its student body and celebrates the performing arts. #wearesaintjamesschool

photos by Mary Catherine Phillips