Theatrical Society Cabaret Night

A Cabaret night was held by the Theatrical Society from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM on January 9 at the Nutley Elks Lodge.

What is a Cabaret night? Cabaret night is a fun, relaxed show where the audience sits at tables instead of rows. Instead of one long act, it features many short ones. They can vary from singing, dancing, playing instruments, or acting out short scenes.

 It's more personal than a regular show, because those performing can interact with the audience. For the duration of the show people can enjoy snacks and drinks, some (like Nutley’s) allowing for people to bring in their own snacks. It feels more like a party than a formal performance. 

Cabaret nights come together through the combined efforts of students and adults. They start with auditions to pick the best acts, followed by weeks of practice. On the night of the show, there is one distinctive host who keeps things moving. While students handle the singing and the stage lights, parents or adults usually take care of the front of the event selling tickets, setting up tables, and helping to make sure things run smoothly.

“Cabaret Night is a major fundraiser for the school district’s music and theater programs,” said sophomore Band Member Sophia Abutah. Money from ticket sales and any additional donations all go to the budget of the Nutley Schools Theatrical Society. Included in this is funding for sets, costumes, and in general the pieces that will bring together future productions.

This evening has been incredibly successful, bringing in about $2,500 that can now be used to support the art program in Nutley. Sophomore performer Natasha Nason participated for the second year in a row: “I think that Cabaret night went well. I also performed in it last year and it was much the same.”

Diverse lineups of talent were featured on stage, with some students performing songs from more popular high-energy musicals like Wicked and Six the Musical, as well as those that are less known. Chess, Cry Baby, and Ghost being among those. 

Parent Allana Nason frequently comes to Cabaret nights as her daughter usually performs in them. “The atmosphere is always great,” said Nason. “I really like that [Natasha] has this opportunity to put her talent on display for other people.” 

Natasha’s night of performing consisted of two songs - a duet to “For Good” from Wicked with fellow theater student Liana Sheppard, and a solo to “Is This Not Love” from Twelfth Night. "I love it because the theatre community is so incredibly supportive, and I’m so glad to have been able to be involved with it,” she said. She added that her duo performance with Sheppard was said to be among the best of the night.