Cabaret Comes to Canton at the 502 Grill

All of the cast of the dinner cabaret show will be hosted at the 502 Grill. The performance is being hosted by Forever After Productions.

Forever After Productions, a youth theater company based in Canton, is trying something new.

This will be the first time in Forever After Productions five year history that they will be performing a cabaret dinner.

Madeline Klozik, stage manager for the performance and senior at Salem High School, said that this show is much different than previous shows the company has produced.

"This cast is probably one of the most diverse casts I have been a part of. All of them are older, so we have the opportunity to work on more mature concepts and really bond with kids closer to our age," Klozik said in a prepared statement. "They are all very talented kids, and seeing everybody work together and make each other better is so exciting."

The cabaret has a cast of 26 people who will perform a variety of songs including classic musical numbers and contemporary songs. There are four group numbers including "We Go Together" from Grease, "No Day But Today" from Rent, "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" from the Lion King and "O What a Night" from Jersey Boys.

Matt Berdahl, director of the show, said that he has done many cabarets when he was a professional actor in Minnesota, but for many of the performers, this is a new experience.

"A lot of these kids have no experience in cabarets in any shape or form," Berdahl said. "So it's a real educational experience for them and they are fun to work with."

Berdahl said that this show is different than other cabarets because there is not a single lead actor or actress.

"Everyone is at every rehearsal and rehearsing equally," Berdahl said. "Which is a different beast than a straight musical."   

Forever After Productions started rehearsals for the cabaret in June and the cast has rehearsed twice a week for three hours at a time.

Emma Doyle, a member of the cast and junior at Saint Catherine of Siena Academy, said although she has done three shows previously with Forever After Productions, practicing for the cabaret has been a completely different experience.

"A lot of the rehearsing is very independent," Doyle said. "Our music director will go over music with us, but it's really our job to memorize what she taught us."

Mora Doyle, twin sister of Emma and also a junior at Saint Catherine of Siena Academy, said that although there has been unique challenges with this production, it has enhanced her performance abilities. 

"It is different than any other theater experience I have," Mora said. "But I really like it because I feel I have grown as an actor."

The show will be held on July 24-27 and July 31-August 3. The dinners will start at 6:30 pm except for July 27 and August 3 when it will start at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 and includes dinner.

You can buy tickets at ShowTix4U.com or by calling 734-547-5156. The 502 Grill is located on 50296 Cherry Hill Rd, Canton.