Daniel Hand's Show Choir VIBE Cabaret Is On Jan. 13

(Lead photo info: VIBE cast members evoke the 19080’s: Lexi Lariviere, Marco Natarelli (center - soloist), Schylar Saliba)

MADISON, CT — Daniel Hand High School's Show Choir VIBE, will hold its annual Cabaret on January 13, 2019 at the high school. This always sold-out event will debut portions of VIBE’s current theme, “Stranger Things.” The cabaret act on VIBE’s home turf serves as a warm-up to the 2019 winter rounds of regional competitions, with the grand finale taking place in New York’s Times Square in February.

"Stranger Things" – the breakout Netflix series about Midwestern teens, some with newly-acquired supernatural powers – was the inspiration for Hand Music Director, Ron Soja, to create a 7-song montage based on the group of 1980’s teens, who fall under the influence of the “Upside Down.”

“My students came to me about working a musical theme around the show last spring, so they get the credit,” says Soja "I found the show scary but funny with all those 80’s references. I ran it by our choreographers, arrangers and set directors. They all agreed it was a go.”

Performing as a tight unit, and taking direction from the leader affectionately known as “Soj” is a transformative experience. "As corny as it sounds, VIBE has changed my life and it has helped me find not only my passions, but myself," says Junior Ethan Richmond.

Finding passion is a centerpiece of the performance. Laughs Soja: “Our cast doesn’t know life before cell phones. know life without cellphones. 'Stranger Things' is pre-digital. You actually had to say things right out loud. Like, 'I love you.’ It’s an interesting challenge.”

Hand Music Director Ron Soja (5th from left) consults with VIBE cast members

“'Stranger Things' is really a perfect theme for what we do as a performance group all the time,” says cast member Jack White, a Hand sophomore. “I mean, how strange that we took 1st place or 1st Runner Up in every regional show competition last year? Nobody expected us to place so well; we proved everyone wrong. Strange but wonderful.”

The award-laden VIBE is made up of 75 of Hand’s elite singers, dancers, musicians and stage crew who go up against New England’s most talented high school musical reviews, before competing nationally in New York City.

“To perform in the Big Apple? Complete exhilaration,” is how Ethan Richmond describes the anticipation of taking “Stranger Things” to New York’s Sheraton Ballroom February 22-24. “It’s nerve-racking,” continues Richmond, “but the adrenaline build-up is definitely crucial.”

The cast, band and crew practice anywhere from 5- 25 hours a week, making VIBE, and the Hand cafetorium, a home-away-from home – a Netflix series, perhaps, all unto its own.

“I have made some of my closest friends through show choir, they are people that I share so many amazing experiences with,” says senior Reese Gaudelli. “VIBE is a big priority in my life, among my family, friends and school. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but when the group executes the show and we know that we did well, it’s one of the best feelings ever.”

But the content of VIBE’s “Stranger Things" remains a secret known only to those in the show. “We like to keep the mystery,” says Richmond. Attending the cabaret-version of “Stranger Things” at Hand is the only way Madison locals can get a feel for the talent and passion pouring into the performance. The cabaret also raises much-needed money for the musical journey the cast, band and stage crew are about to embark on.

Spooked? Intrigued? Come see the “Stranger Things Cabaret" at Daniel Hand’s auditorium on January 13.

Show times Noon, 3pm and 6pm. Lunch/Dinner will be served at each performance.

Tables, multiple tickets or single tickets may all be purchased in advance by visiting https://www.dhhsvibe.com/cabaret2019 or by linking directly to Ticketleap at https://dhhs-vibe.ticketleap.com/2019-vibe-cabaret/ .

Tickets will be available for online purchase in advance until January 13th. Any remaining tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

(Photo Credit: Lyn Lunn)