Cougar Cabaret Offers Sweet Evening of Music

The Chorus presented their Cougar Cabaret on Friday night to a packed house.

The evening showcased the talented individuals who participate in the school's choral programs. Performing personal music selections, the students choices ranged from show tunes to pop hits, from Tony Bennett to Taio Cruz. With nearly 40 performances, the show moved rapidly, but never hurriedly.  

While all the students were poised on stage and gave the audience a glimpse of their vocal abilities, several students really stood out. 

Nikki Do, who performed "Sparks Fly" accompanied by Ricky Criales on guitar, had a shy presence onstage, but her voice handled the challenging song beautifully.

Madeline Paul and Ari Veach sang “Hallelujah," adding distinctive harmonies to the well-loved melody. They were accompanied by Bruce Hortelano on the guitar.

Two students, in two separate numbers, showed their ownership of the stage and their voices.

Paige York sang “Climbing Uphill" from the musical “The Last Five Years." She used two microphones, a great deal of humor and completely charmed the audience.

When Tommy Wilson took over the stage, channeling Bobby Darin with “Mac the Knife," hoots and hollers came from the audience, bringing out the best in his performance.

This evening was also an opportunity for the choral ensembles (concert choir, Select Women, show choir guys’ a cappella, Madrigals, chamber choir and girls’ a cappella) to show off a little of their abilities. Borrowing heavily, but successfully, from the Glee song book, the groups brought sass and drama to their musical numbers. 

Tiffany Powell, chorus director, has been at Oakton High School for six years and is justifiably proud of her students. She worked behind the scenes with lighting and sound.

She said she was pleased with the great turnout and felt this event was a real showcase of the students talents and range.

The audience was not only treated the audience to an evening of sweet music, but to tray upon tray of cookies, cakes and pastries at intermission available for sampling.

While the students spent weeks auditioning and rehearsing for this event, the Booster parents spent months making sure all the details were taken care of.  Barbara Marple, mother of Hanna and the Chorus Cabaret Chairwoman, said it was all worth it because the students had a chance to really shine in front of an appreciative audience.

The scheduled singers at Saturday's performance will vary slightly from the Friday line-up. The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and proceeds benefit the Oakton choral program.