Nobody Does It Better – Cabaret Takes a Look Back at the 70s
March 30, 2004

The spotlight glowed center stage as students took their turn entertaining approximately 85 attendees at Cabaret. The lounge-like event took place on Thursday, March 25 at 7:00 p.m. in the Lower Commons of the Martinsville campus. The performances covered popular music from the 70s and raised $440 – the most amount of money brought in by any of the previous years’ event. The funds were given to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. As a form of community service, additional Pingry students assisted by setting up tables and chairs, decorating the commons, and serving refreshments and snacks to the audience. Caroline Holt ’06, one of servers, enjoyed her first Cabaret. “I thought it was a fun thing to do,” she says. Explaining the event’s allure she adds, “It’s not everyday that you get to work with a live band.” The jazz ensemble had a major role in the event, playing the instrumentals for all the classic songs. They opened up the night with Birdland, composed by Josef Zawinul. Music teacher Sean McAnally conducted each performance and confidently made his debut on the piano. Caitlin Jennings ’06, wearing a long black evening dress, harmonized to the opening song, I Feel The Earth, which is composed by Carole King. Andrew Schlesinger ’04 sang what is still one of the most popular wedding songs, Let’s Stay Together, which is co-written by Al Green, Al Jackson, and Willie Mitchell. Fire and Rain by James Taylor was impressively performed by Jonathan Roberts ’05, who crooned to the crowd seated before him. Killing Me Softly With His Song made notable by Roberta Flack, was memorably performed by Julie Johnson ’05, who described her experience as “nerve racking but fun.” Carly Simon proved to be a favorite in the 70s, as two of her songs were included among the selections. Alex Holland ’04 expertly sang Nobody Does It Better, while Susannah Bragg ’04 performed the popular You’re So Vain. Superstition by Stevie Wonder, which is described as the “quintessential funk hit,” was performed by Josh Leight ’05, who wore a retro suit and white hat and danced to its upbeat tempo. In regards to his style, he says, “I knew that I was doing Stevie Wonder and wanted to go out and do something stylish.” Equally as stylistic was Dana Van Brundt ’05, who donned a red shawl and lots of attitude, while convincingly demanding R-E-S-P-E-C-T as she sang Aretha Franklin’s popular R&B anthem. She performed with ease, although there was a bit of nervousness under the exterior. She explains, “I knew if looked nervous it would be crazy. You just have to build up confidence before the performance.” Each set succeeded in engaging the lively audience, once again proving how much fun this event truly is. As theater teacher, Stephanie Romankow, perfectly sums it up, “It just keeps getting better and better.” © 2004 The Pingry School