David Taintor

High energy dance numbers and pop music performances are just one of the components of this year’s Cabaret.

Cabaret features the choirs on the UW-Eau Claire campus. Women’s Concert Chorale, Concert Choir I, Concert Choir II and The Singing Statesmen all perform their own sets of song and dance numbers.

This year’s theme of Cabaret is “Colors.” Eight different colors were chosen, and songs were selected based on that color, whether it was a musical artist who had a color in their name or songs with a color in their title. The sets include “Maroon,” which features songs from “Maroon 5,” and “Red,” which includes the songs “Lady in Red” and “Red Alert.”

The cast of 130 students also has 11 student directors who arrange songs and create choreography.

“Cabaret is an entirely student-run musical performance including group sets, individual acts, and humorous skits,” said senior and Concert Choir I member Abby Stellmacher.

“It’s unlike anything else available to see or participate in at the collegiate level,” she said.

Alex Collie, junior and director of The Singing Statesmen, agreed.

“There’s nothing like it on campus. It’s not just a choir concert; all the different choirs perform pop music,” he said.

“My favorite is performing ‘Maroon 5’s’ ‘Harder to Breathe.’ The whole set is so much fun to perform,” Collie said

Executive Director of Cabaret, Gary Schwartzhoff, said this is a great performance for anyone to come and enjoy. “There is so much variety,” he said. “Especially with the contemporary music, there’s a lot to attract an audience.”

As for students and community members who have never seen Cabaret before, Stellmacher said she thinks everyone should come see the show at some point.

“There is no doubt they’ll enjoy at least one part of the show along the way, whether it’s one song from a group’s set, an entire set itself, one of the small acts, or an entr’acte skit,” she said. “Whether you love music, dance, or humor, there is something for you to enjoy in the show.”

Both Collie and Stellmacher have performed in the last three Cabarets and said they have enjoyed every minute of it.

“It’s tough, but aÿton of fun, andÿso worth it to put on the showÿthat we do,” Stellmacher said. ÿ “Obviously it’s a great time to bond with friends in the music department as well.”

Along with the chorale groups on campus, students from the orchestra also get a chance to perform and arrange their own music.

“The orchestra is great,” said Stellmacher. “They do an amazing job with the overture and many others songs.”

The orchestra, led by conductor and senior John Raymond, performs such songs as “Fields of Gold,” which was arranged by senior Lora Anderson.

Cabaret starts at 7:30 p.m. and runs Jan. 29-31 in the Council Fire Room of Davies Center. Tickets are $12 for students and $20 for the general public and faculty and staff.