by Jennifer Carpenter

Of the Gleaner

By the time the seniors graduate from high school, all of the work is done. Tests have been turned in, grades are final in Powerschool, and it’s summer time.

However, for some Wahlert students, the work is just getting started. For seniors Eric Leigh, ’18, and Sophia Shubatt, ’18, their final project is putting their directing skills to the test. For the past month, Wahlert Thespians have been working hard to put together a student-driven cabaret night.

“People should come see the cabaret because it’s students really expressing themselves without any direction or limitation from school or adults,” says Eva Wahlert, ‘20. “It’s a message about who we are. This has been different from other theatre experiences because we’ve been able to let loose and have more freedom.”

The cabaret is Leigh and Shubatt’s final project for their musical works internship.

“It’s a project-based class, and I really enjoy that because I have the freedom to work on the things I love and want to pursue,” said Shubatt.

Some of the numbers include “La Vie Boheme” from Rent, “Cell Block Tango” from Chicago, “Till I Hear You Sing” from Love Never Dies, “Candy Store” from Heathers and many more. In addition to these iconic songs, two original musical works written by Leigh and Shubatt called Detention and Just In the Wick Of Time will be performed.

“Just in the Wick of Time and Detention are clever, witty and downright hilarious. It is a joy to be a part of this cabaret,” says Simon Reichel, ‘18.

Leigh and Shubatt also took the executive decision to not cut or censor out any of the material within the songs.  

“I wanted the cabaret to be uncensored because I don’t believe in censorship for art. The point of art is expression, and if things are removed because they make people uncomfortable, it delivers a neutered version of what it’s supposed to be. In particular, I wanted Wahlert students to be able to stretch themselves with material that was beyond what they’d normally be able to do at Wahlert,” said Leigh.

The cabaret will be performed May 25th and 26th at 7 p.m in the Jansen Music Hall at Clarke University. Tickets will be $10 starting on sale at the door at 6 p.m. The proceeds will go towards the Wahlert Encore Club.

“This is sort of our way of giving back to the program that gave us so much. It’s the culmination of our work, and some of the most talented artists at Wahlert will be featured in it, including some familiar Wahlert faces (Miss Plumley, Mr. Behnke, Mr. Muenster). It’ll be fun and hopefully entertaining,” said Leigh.