By Dean Poling
VALDOSTA — Hard to believe it’s only been a decade since Valdosta State University Theatre & Dance began its Scholarship Cabaret programs.
The event has already taken on the prestige of a long-running tradition, but this weekend will mark only the 11th Annual Theatre & Dance Scholarship Cabaret.
Cabaret has proven popular with audiences and successful in raising thousands of dollars in scholarship funds for VSU Theatre & Dance students. The evening presents a dinner as well as a show performed by VSU Theatre & Dance students who have benefited from the scholarships.
Since introducing the Cabaret shows, they have gone from being a Valdosta-Lowndes County-only event to performances throughout South Georgia. VSU Theatre & Dance Cabaret will be performed in several regional cities in the months to come.
This year’s theme is “From Page to Stage.” Students will perform popular songs from productions based on books, comics, and poetry.
Students will perform numbers taken from Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken”; sing “The Impossible Dream” from “Man of La Mancha,” the musical based on Cervantes’ “Don Quixote.”
Cabaret will also provide audiences a sneak peek of this summer’s Peach State Summer Theatre productions: The song “Blue Skies” from the musical “White Christmas,” one of three shows on the PSST! schedule, is set to be performed Sunday.
Michael Elliott, VSU assistant professor of musical theater voice, directs the show.
“We invite all to join us for a wonderful evening of dinner and theatre,” said Jacque Wheeler, VSU Theatre professor who is also PSST!’s artistic director, through a statement. “Many patrons tell us how much they love watching the students as they grow during their four years at the university, and we appreciate the support of all our patrons who have enjoyed the Cabaret in the past. We have many deserving students who benefit significantly from this fundraiser, which holds something for everyone.”
The Golden Circle Scholarship and Support Fund and theatre honors fraternity Alpha Psi Omega sponsor the Cabaret. With Cabaret playing locally one evening only, Valentine’s Day, it is an opportunity to treat a sweetheart and help theatre students continue developing their art.
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When: Opens at 6 p.m. Sunday; 6:30 p.m., dinner; 7:30 p.m., show.
Where: VSU’s new Student Union ballroom.
Tickets: $40 per person; tables of eight available for $320. Checks should be made payable to the VSU Foundation with GC Cabaret in the memo line. Tickets may be purchased at the door, but reservations are encouraged.
More information: Contact Kate Heine Elliott, Golden Circle board member, (229) 333-7177; or e-mail kaheine@valdosta.edu
