Old St. Pat’s Cabaret

Well it happened. After 6 weeks of feverish rehearsals (literally at times), we put on an entertaining evening of musical theatre cabaret in the Old St. Pat’s church hall. Nestled in among the painted support poles and huddled at cloth-covered tables, 200 people came to support our creative experiment of cabaret. See more pictures here!

The cabaret was many things: it was an opportunity for Young Adults to host an evening of entertaining music for the members of Old St. Pat’s in a way that was accessible (no one balked at $10); it was a chance for the musicians we hear each Sunday to learn, and in many cases, re-engage in a different style of performing; it was creative outlet for the performers and an opportunity to cement (but first test) the friendship of the artistic team that led it; finally it was a commitment (a relationship of its own perhaps) that everyone took seriously and that everyone came away from with a sense of thankfulness, awe, achievement, and great joy.

But really, what was it? An evening of musical theatre that covered music from 1934 through 2008. It was heartfelt, memorized, and emphatically delivered. We are all thankful for the Old St. Pat’s pastoral, young adult, and special events staff for their enthusiastic support.

You can click on the program below for more information about the songs we performed.

Here are a few quotes from those who came:

• “The program was superb - to see "stars" eagerly taking on the roles of stage hands was humbling.”  -- Peg R
• “Loved the whole show... and can't wait till you all do another one.”  -- Mark B.
• “I keep having the songs from the cabaret go through my head!”  -- Mary Pat S.
• “You nailed that one!” -- Tom H.
• “I didn’t realize I’d end up liking these songs so much.” -- me

And from here there are some more pictures for you to enjoy from our various rehearsals and performance:

We are officially an ANNUAL event and already looking forward to creating this great experience next winter.

Catching Up With Atlanta

Aimee and I have been wanting to visit Atlanta ever since the fall. As we found ourselves retracing our steps a year later (e.g. this time last year, Megan and Katie were here; this time last year, we discovered we actually like fall, etc.), we knew a visit was in order. After a few false starts (thank you Delta), we arrived on Friday the 18th, nearly to Michael and Jeff’s house, just in time for a seemingly carsick Crowley to puke all over Aimee and our Camaro (thank you Hertz).

We got cleaned up (thank you Crowley) and then ventured up to Dreamland BBQ with Jeff and Patrick for some lunch. Seated next to a wall of loaves of a white bread, I knew we were back in south. When one of those loaves landed on our table, I was happy to be back.

That night, Michael and Jeff hosted a party at their house with the entire 5pm choir from IHM as well as some other friends, including the pastor and associate priest. It was a great way to catch up with so many people at once. Just like we slipped back into Chicago life so easily last July, it was seamless to ease back into conversation and catching up with these great folks.

On Saturday we ventured down to Highland Bakery and got to catch up with Jordan (sadly Skyler could not attend). We got caught in a refreshing rain storm, but nothing our now smelly Camaro couldn’t handle. From there the whirlwind continued as we went to visit with Daniela (Aimee’s co-fellow), Matt and Noah. They prepared a delicious lunch and the perfect environment to catch up.

Off we went to IHM for the 4pm vigil mass. I played the piano and Aimee helped cantor -- it was nice to be back. In fact, Fr. Juan (though threatened otherwise) announced us after mass. It was definitely one of those (“mom, why are we clapping?” moments). Regardless, it was nice to be back behind the keys in IHM – a parish that has and continues to mean a lot to us.  The contrasting liturgical and ministerial elements are always interesting to experience, especially when juxtaposed so closely with our OSP experience.   Dinner at Rosebud Restaurant with Michael and Jeff followed and then another drink at their house to catch up with our friend Nimale.

In all it was a great weekend. We cannot thank Michael and Jeff enough for their generous hospitality and welcoming spirit. It truly felt like home.

Musical Theatre Cabaret!

First, a few definitions:

• Cabaret:  A style of entertainment, often held in a church hall, featuring a variety of performances while patrons eat and drink at tables.
• Musical theatre:  form of theatre combining songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance.  To some, the best kind of staged entertainment there is, filled with “people who can sing and dance, often at the same time…and who are, in many ways, the luckiest people in the world”.
• Old St. Pat’s Young Adult Music Ministry:  members of Old St. Pat’s in their 20s and 30s who actively participate in the church’s liturgical music ministry, through its concert choirs and Sunday liturgies (especially the 5pm!).

We are finally pursuing an idea that we’ve tossed around for a while now:  Michael Neary, Megan Buckley, Aimee, and I are putting on a cabaret.  And it should be easy right?  Assemble 17 musicians who are passionate about music, devise a balanced program of songs, acquire, harmonize, and distribute music, plan and hold rehearsals, secure church approval and support, coordinate event planning logistics, and create and circulate printed/digital publicity materials.  In 6 weeks (did I mention learn the music?). 

Here are the details:

January 27, 2012

Doors open at 7:00pm  -  Show starts at 7:30pm

Old St. Patrick’s Church Hall (enter on Adams)

700 W Adams  Chicago, IL  60661

For tickets, click here!

Hosted by members of the Young Adult Music Ministry, Broadway on Adams is an evening of musical theatre selections spanning the last 8 decades in a cabaret style.  All are welcome to enjoy a night out with drinks, appetizers, and the entertaining talents of our own young adults. 

Yes, should be easy.