Ahmad Maaty dances to “Bird of the Night” during last year’s cabaret. Photo by Bonnie Hobbs.
Ten years have passed since Westfield High grad Reema Samaha lost her life in the Virginia Tech tragedy. But she lives on in the hearts of her friends and family; and each year, they hold a Remembrance Cabaret in her honor.
This year’s event is set for Saturday, June 17, at 7 p.m., in the Westfield auditorium, 4700 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. It’s a free, fun-filled evening of singing, dancing and comedy skits, providing entertainment for the whole family.
“I am very excited to see so many alumni and returning artists from the DMV, New York, Richmond and Chicago join in celebrating the vibrant life of Reema,” said Westfield grad and event organizer Ashley Dillard. “Each year, I am enthralled by the level of talent, and love that the performers share it with us. It is an incredible night for the community, and I hope everyone will come celebrate life through the arts with us.”
Since this is the 10th-anniversary show, Dillard wanted to have as many Westfield alumni participating as possible — and this event is chocked full of them. Hosting will be improv sketch artists and Westfield grads Jesse Leahy and Branson Reese.
Samaha was a talented dancer, herself; and in her honor, Westfield alumnus Adrienne Clark will be performing the number, “Andaloosia.” Joining her will be alumni dancers of the Contemporary Dance Ensemble of Virginia Tech: Vanessa Bush, Kait Mechling, Kathryn Montgomery, Christian Rumley and Liz Spikes.
“This piece is very special because this was the belly dance choreographed by Reema for the Contemporary Dance Ensemble of Virginia Tech for its spring 2007 showcase,” said Dillard. “‘Andaloosia’ has been performed almost every year since then by members of the company.”
Another highlight of the show will be improv sketch comedy featuring Westfield alumni, many of whom are working professionally as improv artists in New York, Chicago and Richmond. Among them are Reese and Leahy, plus Megan Meadows, Michelle Murgia, Will Quin, Dallas Sweezy and Joe Schumacher.
Westfield grad and professional dancer Lauren De Vera will perform a solo dance number, as well as a group number with her dance company. Professional dancer, actor and choreographer Ahmad Maaty will do a group dance with Laura Lamp, Jordan Gehley, Lindsey Culin and Allison Frisch.
Laura Walsh, another Westfield alumnus, will be singing a solo, as will Herndon High grad Molly Nuss. And Westfield grad Lauren Bobby will perform a song called “I lived,” along with fellow Westfield grads Bobby Hersey and Alex Merrill.
“We are also excited to have Gin Dance Company perform again,” said Dillard. Comprising this group are Shu-Chen Cuff, Elizabeth Childers, Michelle Conroy, Shu-Chen Cuff, Alison Grant, Julia Hellmich and Kristina Liu. Their dance number is called “Hello! Goodbye!” Nomadic Artist Dance Co. will be performing a group dance number, too.
There’ll be a bake sale and raffle during intermission. Among the raffle items will be a bike, a whole lamb (to eat) from Three Bags Wool Farm, $400 worth of tickets to current Broadway shows from broadway.com, and a private wine class and tasting for 20 people from Total Wine.
Besides being a lighthearted evening of entertainment, this event also raises money for two charities that improve students’ lives. There’s no charge for admission, but all donations made that night will benefit both the Reema J. Samaha Memorial Scholarship Fund, as well as Angel Fund, which supports the safety and wellbeing of youth and school-aged children.
The scholarship fund is administered by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia. And each year, the foundation awards scholarships to eligible Westfield and Herndon high school seniors who will attend an accredited college in Virginia.