OC invites the public to enjoy a night of Broadway show tunes at the 32nd annual “Cabaret”

The Oklahoma Christian University Jazz Band will accompany the cast of 20 singers in their performances March 4-6 at 7:30 p.m. in Baugh Auditorium. 

February 11, 2021

Oklahoma Christian University’s Music Program is filled with talented students, and each spring, they showcase their talents in OC’s Cabaret variety show. This year, the theme is “Cabaret: Reach Out to Broadway,” in which students perform 17 songs, consisting of 13 group numbers and four solos. The show features numbers like “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” “Come Alive” and “Motown the Musical: A Medley.”

The 2021 performance will be different due to COVID-19 restrictions and the recent loss of the show’s longtime director.  

Terry Atteberry, beloved Cabaret director and respected music professor, passed away due to complications from COVID-19 in December. Cabaret was Atteberry’s favorite part of working at OC, which was evident from how much time and passion he put into the show. He spent his career influencing students like senior music major Preston Prock.

“Atteberry was a lot more than just a teacher,” Prock said. “He was a mentor, a friend and a father. He taught me more about music and life than anyone I’ve ever met.”

Despite the loss of their mentor, students are working hard to honor their director. Samantha King has participated in Cabaret for three years in a row, she will be thinking about him throughout the show. 

“I feel like everyone is really conscious about putting in our best work to honor him,” King said. “Every rehearsal we have, we’re doing our best to make the show great for him.” 

OC Professor of Music Kyle Pullen, who holds a doctorate of musical arts, took on the task of directing the show. Normally, he directs OC’s choir program and teaches music courses, but it is his responsibility to tighten the Cabaret performances and help students perform at their full potential.

“My goal is to train the students to be successful in the style of musical theatre, and to inspire the community with their love for musical theatre,” Pullen said.

The students are following strict guidelines to ensure their production is safe during COVID-19. The performance takes place in Baugh Auditorium rather than Judd Theater to allow more space, and the band will perform from the pit rather than behind the singers. In addition, all performers will wear masks throughout the performance. 

In recent years, the students involved in Cabaret had the opportunity to travel and perform their show around the country. However, due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, students will not travel this year. 

“It’s difficult to do spacing and still feel the same closeness a cast would normally feel,” Pullen said. “It’s a challenge, but I feel like we’re overcoming those challenges.”

“Cabaret: Reach Out To Broadway” will be in Baugh Auditorium, March 4-6 at 7:30 p.m. Masks, temperature checks and physical distancing are required. Tickets are $8. OC students and employees can enjoy a free ticket on March 4 only, and an OC ID card is required that night. Tickets are available at www.oc.edu/events. For more information on future OC Music events, visit https://www.facebook.com/ocfriendsofmusic.