Unison
ISSUE 3 MARCH 2025
Ursuline’s Charity Cabaret! CAMILA NAPOLEON AND BLAKE WILSON ‘26
Ursuline successfully hosted their seventh annual charity Cabaret, a fairly new tradition that encompasses our school’s motto of Serviam, combined with the musical talent of our student body. It’s a student run musical medley, pulling from musicals old and new that helps raise money for the charity Sanctuary for Families. Whether cast or crew, students gain hands-on experience performing, planning, and directing a production, with the added benefit of obtaining service hours in the process. This year’s directors were seniors Carly Tauber, Cameron Caie, Annika Pitalawa, and Madeleine Cockburn, who organized everything from the setlist, to casting, choreography, and more. The stage crew is also completely student-run, with juniors Jules Ralph and Gabby Guevara as stage managers. I, Camila Napoleon, had the opportunity to be in the show, being part of the duet in “No Reason” from the musical Beetlejuice, and in the group number “Any Way the Wind Blows” from Hadestown. Being in the cast, I’m proud to say I’ve seen the show grow into its own. I have had lots of fun connecting with others who are passionate about theater. Tech week is as stress-inducing as it is exciting, but it’s rewarding to see the show finally putting the pieces together. The
excited buzz before the shows and seeing everyone rush around behind the curtains always gives me the energy to perform. In Cabaret, there is always an overwhelming support amongst the cast and crew. Our familial moments backstage I hold close to my heart, and it’s one of the reasons why I take part in Cabaret each year. The show was a hit all around, with reviews of awe and amazement coming from the audience. In interviews directly after the performance, parents were quoted on saying things like, “I loved it! It had me in tears” and “Thought it was outstanding!” Students who came to support their friends or just the school community also said, “There were a lot of people with a lot of talent…it was very cool and I’m proud of everyone…” or “Beautiful and moving…excellent display of talent.” Personally I, Blake Wilson, thought it was very well-organized and -executed. From the tap-dancing numbers to the emotional power ballads, it really reflected the vast capability of our school’s musical talent. From the audience, I could see the time and passion that was put into the show, and it completely paid off. It was also amazing to see how many showed up to support their friends, or just to see an amazing show. It was a night to remember!