Virginia Tech’s Contemporary Dance Ensemble performs “Andaloosia” at last year’s cabaret. Photo by Bonnie Hobbs.
Reema Samaha was one of the victims killed April 16, 2007 at Virginia Tech, but the Westfield High graduate will always be remembered by her friends and family. And each year, a cabaret is held in her honor.
The 8th Annual Remembrance Cabaret is set for Saturday, June 13, in Westfield’s theater. It begins with a silent auction at 6 p.m., followed by a variety show at 7 p.m. Co-producers are Janet Dueweke; Reema’s sister, Randa; and sisters Ashley and Phoebe Dillard.
Besides providing entertainment, it’s also a fundraiser. The event is free, but all donations made that night, plus the proceeds from T-shirt and baked-goods sales, will help deserving students attend college.
“One hundred percent of the donations will go to the Reema J. Samaha Memorial Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia,” said Dueweke. “The foundation awards non-renewable scholarships annually to eligible Westfield and Herndon high school seniors who’ll be attending an accredited college in Virginia.”
“The cabaret will feature music, dance and comedy,” she continued. “There’ll be great entertainment for the whole family. We’ll also have some fabulous baked goods provided by the Westfield and Herndon theater boosters.”
Ashley Dillard organized the performers and is excited about the upcoming program. “This year's talented artists are from around the Washington Metropolitan area, New York and Chicago,” she said. “Our hosts are professional improv artists — and Westfield alumni — Branson Reese and Jesse Leahy.”
The performers include: Shu-Chen Cuff, founder and artistic director of Gin Dance Company; Westfield grads and vocalists Taylin Frame and Kevin Clay; Virginia Tech's Contemporary Dance Ensemble; dancers and choreographers Lauren De Vera, Michelle Murgia and Ahmad Maaty; Ashburn Academy of Dance; actor and singer Nick Cirillo, on tour with “Sister Act, The Musical;” and singers Samantha Dempsey and Sarah Overton.
Contemporary Dance Ensemble of Virginia Tech will be performing a tap dance called “Of the Night,” featuring Rachel Bastianelli, Ellie Green, Maya Gantt and Sarah Toler. “We are very fortunate to have them perform every year,” said Dillard.
Eli Pafumi will sing and play guitar on an original piece called “Scarlett McQueen.” It’s an award-winning song that he performed at this year’s Bring It! talent competition, the finals of the Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Contest and other competitions around the area. The son of Westfield’s first theater director, Scott Pafumi, Eli will be attending this year’s Summer Residential Governor’s School for Vocal Performance at Radford.
Ashburn Academy of Dance is bringing a lyrical, group number called “Ring the Bells.” And Westfield grad Megan Meadows is coming from New York to perform in a comedy sketch with our Reese and Leahy, who’ll be here from New York and Chicago, respectively.
Dueweke’s in charge of the silent auction and, she said, “We’ve got some great items. They include gift cards to restaurants, so people could even get their Father’s Day presents here.” The restaurants providing gift cards include: Ciao Osteria, Sweetwater Tavern, IHOP, Cheesecake Factory, Carrabba’s, P.F. Chang’s and Famous Dave’s.
Other things up for bid include gift cards to other area businesses, framed original art, jewelry, pillows, matted photography, a handmade rug, 3D photo-box bookends, hand-crocheted items, a spa gift basket with a gift card from Sully Nails, and a signed copy of “Primal Kitchen,” a cookbook just published by 2005 Westfield grad Sarah Dueweke.
All in all, said Dillard, “It’s a great night for community, entertainment and to raise money for a great cause. Everyone should come and enjoy the silent auction, the refreshments and an evening of extremely talented performers.”