A Night Filled with Entertainment: Cabaret Night
Friends of Nutley Singers, better known as FONS, held its annual Cabaret Night on January 11, 2020, in the Nutley High School Gym. This event was run by Mrs. Polynice, Mr. Gurrieri, Mr. Gaines, Ms. Alamo, Ms. Milner, and Mrs. Moscaritola, as well as Rebecca Vigna, a NHS 2019 graduate. Together, the teachers and students involved were able to raise money for the Nutley Public School District’s choir and theatre programs. Students in grades 7 through 12 auditioned to be in the show in November and began rehearsing in December and January.
This event was a great way to raise money for the music and theatre departments, as well as giving students a chance to showcase their talents. “Cabaret Night is a well-loved event that has become a staple in the Nutley choir and theater programs,” says Mrs. Polynice, John H. Walker Middle School choir and music director. Approximately 75 students took part in Cabaret Night. The performances were mixed with solo and group numbers, totaling 30 acts over the course of the evening.
“Cabaret Night was such a great experience to hear all of my peers sing and express their talents,” says Amanda Bordei, a NHS freshman. Amanda, along with several others, is a part of the cast of NHS's Rock of Ages, the 2020 spring musical for NHS. Certain people were chosen to perform a piece from Rock of Ages. “My experience at Cabaret was a positive one,” says Caroline Ritacco, a NHS freshman. “It’s a great way to show off your talent and to see other talented people from this town sing and dance.” The talented young teen was selectively picked to present a solo act, along with very few others.
Cabaret Night was originally a show designed for students in the music department. However, things changed about two years ago when FONS began to feature numbers from the spring musicals/plays in JHWMS and NHS. “I thought that this year was very successful,” says Mr. Gurrieri, director, along with Mrs. Polynice, of Rock of Ages. Mrs. Polynice and Mr. Gurrieri spent two to three weeks helping the cast of Rock of Ages prepare for their acts in Cabaret Night.
All of the money raised from the night was used to support the Nutley District Choir and Theatre programs. FONS also organized a 50/50 raffle to provide scholarships for seniors in these programs. Without the help of the Executive Board of FONS, teachers, and parent/student volunteers, this night would not have been possible. It was an overall great experience for the students and teachers involved and aided the Music and Theatre Programs at Nutley. Cabaret Night will continue in the Nutley District as a way of showcasing talented students and raising funds.
