Cabaret Night Was a Huge Success as Tradition Met Tomorrow at Union Catholic

Scotch Plains, NJ - Union Catholic students Lauren Guerra, Makay Johnson and Duane Banks delivered memorable solo performances The second annual Cabaret Night, which saw performances from five decades of Union Catholic alumni and current students, was held in front of a packed house on Friday and was a huge success.

Producer John Rotondo ‘07, said there were performances from Union Catholic alumni from the Class of 1983, the 1990’s, the 2000’s, and the current decade as well the Class of 2020.

The current students who performed solo acts were Makay Johnson ‘18, Lauren Guerra ‘17, and Duane Banks ‘20. One of the choreographers was Lexi Marta ‘17, and the show was directed by Maryann Carroll Carolan ‘86 and Ed Sagendorf ‘07.

“The night was a phenomenal success,’’ said Rotondo, who added that proceeds from the event would go toward theatre renovations. “We brought back so many alums and their joy and enthusiasm to return back to their alma mater to not only perform and see each other again, but to give back and to support the future generation is really inspiring. It was like one big family reunion.’’

Guerra, who has performed the National Anthem at a New Jersey Devils hockey game and several other sporting events, sang “I Feel the Earth Move’’ by Carole King from Beautiful. “It’s such an opportunity to share something I love and my passion with other people,’’ said Guerra. “And to hear their reaction makes me feel overwhelmed in a good way, and I enjoy it more with each performance. It’s so thrilling and exciting, and just get rush being on stage.’’ Guerra, who lives in Warren, said it was great to be part of an event where "Tradition Meets Tomorrow.''

“It’s great to have everyone come back that have been involved in PAC (Performing Arts Company) and get to share our own talents and passion because they feel the same way we do,'' said Guerra, who is looking at Seton Hall University and Fairleigh Dickinson University as possible places to continue her academic and theatre careers.

Johnson, who lives in Roselle, sang “Santa Fe’’ from Newsies. “I was honored to get chosen to sing at Cabaret Night because it’s such a big event,’’ said Johnson. “Being on stage is such a great feeling. I love performing.’’

Marta said there's a sense of pride she feels being part of such a big night. “I feel so proud because you’re in front of everyone from PAC,’’ said Marta, who lives in Scotch Plains. “You have people that graduated last year to people that graduated 40 years ago coming back to watch this show. It’s just so incredible to be a part of it.’’

How about dealing with nerves before the big show. “I feel like backstage you feel kind of scared, but as soon as you step on that stage and know that spotlight is on you everything goes away and you are in that moment. I just love that feeling, and loved being part of Cabaret Night.''

For 54 years, Union Catholic High School has earned its reputation as one of New Jersey's foremost Catholic secondary schools. For information, visit unioncatholic.org.