BSU Performers Celebrate Sondheim At The Cabaret

“We Know Things Now – Seniors on Sondheim” – Photos by Dave Pluimer. Used with permission.  Collage by Casey Ross.

Of all the performances I cover, those that are educational in nature have a special place in my heart. “We Know Things Now – Seniors on Sondheim” presented at The Cabaret on Friday, Jan. 20, proved to be no exception. The performance was a culmination of a cabaret course taught to the graduating BA in Musical Theatre students of Ball State University’s class of 2023. Featuring 12 students, the showcase focused on the music of the iconic composer Stephen Sondheim, who died in 2021.

Katie Jordan & Eliza Hallal -Courtesy of Dave Pluimer. Used with permission.

Introduced by William Jenkins, professor of Theatre and department chair at the BSU Department of Theatre and Dance, the students included Imani Brissett, Skylar Doescher, CeCe Donathan, Eliza Hallal, James Hayakawa, Katie Jordan, Jonathan Kalinen, Teah Mirabelli, Evan Morales, Jeremiah Smith, Richaun Stewart, and Sawyer True. Under the tutelage of Broadway performer Megan McGinnis, the students were accompanied on piano by faculty members Michael Rafter and Johnna Tavianini.

To be fair, I wish to emphasize that all the energetic students demonstrated vocal excellence, exhibited dramatic talent, and possessed showmanship. However, standing out in solos were Brissett who sang “Not While I’m Around,” Smith in “I Know Things Now,” Jordan in “What More Do I Need,” Donathan in “Marry Me A Little,” Mirabelli in “Now You Know,” and Hallal, who performed a mash up of “Everybody Says Don’t/Don’t Rain on my Parade.”   While introducing their songs with their personal stories, they all excelled at connecting with the sold-out audience.

Imani Brissett & Richaun Stewart courtesy of Dave Pluimer. Used with permission.

Deserving of praise as well are Hayakawa and True who accompanied themselves on guitar in “Children Will Listen” and “Unworthy of Your Love,” respectively. Mirabelli who accompanied herself on piano excelled in “Teah’s Number.” Moving me greatly was an affecting interpretation of “Agony” sung by Brissett, Stewart and company as a plea for racial acceptance and tolerance. Songs performed in unison by the entire cast and those sung by groups, all reflected superb harmonization.

As someone who wears multiple hats, one of my pursuits is serving as managing director of Magic Thread Cabaret, with a mission of spotlighting local talent and serving as an incubator. I also regularly review shows featuring world class performers at The Cabaret in Indy, as well as venues in New York and other markets and most, recently. Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Therefore, I believe I am uniquely qualified to judge performers who practice the cabaret art form. With that said, I believe that each of the promising BSU students showcased in “Senior on Sondheim” have the talent and training to step onto any cabaret and/or Broadway stage to shine as story tellers and entertainers.

For tickets and information about the-2023 winter season The Cabaret visit thecabaret.org