Members of Herndon High School's Cabaret cast spent their entire Saturday at school rehearsing for the upcoming show Jan. 19 and 21.
"All of us are big musical lovers so this is really fun for us," said senior Sarah McGrath, who has performed in the Cabaret for three years.
The performance, which includes 46 cast members, is nothing like a traditional musical, McGrath said.
Instead of having one story line through the entire performance, the Cabaret draws from a number of musicals.
"I think this year's Cabaret combines some of the strongest classical musical examples with the most extremist contemporary musicals," said Dana Van Slyke, HHS choir teacher. "This show offers a mix of productions with the whole cast, duets and some group solos."
While rehearsing for the Cabaret is a fun experience, organizing the almost 50 energetic teenagers can be stressful due to limited weeks of preparation, said Van Slyke, who co-directs the Cabaret with her husband Jim Van Slyke, a professional musician.
Highlights of this year's Cabaret include, "A New Brain," "Rent," "Little Women," "Annie Get Your Gun," "West Side Story," "Chorus Line," "Singing in the Rain" and the "King and I."
"I don't know that many musicals, but through the Cabaret I have learned about so many musicals," said senior Carrie Delisio, who has participated in the Cabaret for two years.
"I think each year when we do this," said Van Slyke, "Jim and I are more and more impressed with the ability these kids have and it inspires us when we pick the music."
This year's Cabaret performance is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 19 and Saturday Jan. 21, 8 p.m., in the school's auditorium. Tickets are $5 and can be bought at the door. For more information visit the Herndon choir web site at www.herndonchoir.com. Herndon High School is located at 700 Bennett St.
<1b>— Brynn Grimley