Staples High School Orphenians Cabaret Olé Fundraising Event March 30

News release from Westport Public Schools:

WESTPORT, CT — What better way to kick off spring than to attend Cabaret Olé, a fundraiser supporting the Staples High School Orphenians. Tickets for the March 30th event are on sale now! This year’s audition-only vocal ensemble consists of 39 students directed by Staples' high school choral director, Lauren Pine. The Orphenians are known for their performances throughout Westport and various Fairfield County venues, serving as an integral part of the local community for 65 years. With the help of the fundraiser, all Orphenians, regardless of financial circumstances, can participate in educational music experiences and share their gift of music at an international choral festival in Spain in June. Lauren Pine said, “The Orphenians are honored to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey to Spain, where they will sing in breathtaking cathedrals and perform under the direction of the esteemed conductor and composer, Dr. Rollo Dilworth. This opportunity not only allows our students to showcase their talents on an international stage but also immerses them in the rich cultural and musical heritage of Spain. Singing as part of a combined festival choir will be an unforgettable experience, demonstrating the unifying power of music. We are thrilled for our singers to take part in this extraordinary event.”

Cabaret Olé will be held on Sunday, March 30, 2025, 6pm-9pm, at the Christ & Holy Trinity Church in downtown Westport. Cabaret Co-chairs, Carole Chinn Mariani and Kristina Michaels, shared that members from the Grammy-nominated group, VOCES8, would open Cabaret Olé with a musical set followed by group performances by the Orphenians. VOCES8 reaches 30 million YouTube viewers and 250,000 live concert goers each year. They have been leading masterclasses for our local choirs in recent years. The group launched the VOCES8 Foundation to promote “Music Education For All,” engaging in educational outreach for up to 40,000 people a year. A portion of the Cabaret Olé proceeds will support the VOCES8 Foundation, which is building a music educational hub in the Westport area.

The Cabaret Olé reception will immediately follow the concert and include Spanish tapas, a silent auction with donations from local businesses and solos by Orphenians. Mary Kate Morrissey, lead in WICKED on Broadway and Dan Micciche, Music Director and Conductor of WICKED on Broadway will perform along with the Orphenians. Mary Kate spent a decade touring through 92 cities with Wicked and Mean Girls (Janis), and Hair (Sheila), before making her Broadway Debut in Wicked in 2023 as Standby, eventually landing the full-time role in March, 2024. Dan has been with the show for over a decade - including the national and international tours. Orphenian alumnus, Jamie Mann, from STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW on Broadway will close out the cabaret.

This event is sponsored by the Orphenians along with the Staples Music Parents Association. Please visit orphenians.com for more information. You can support the Orphenians by purchasing a ticket at https://cabaret-ole.eventbrite.com. VIP is $190, Preferred is $150 and General Admission is $125. Donations can be made here. For questions, please contact orphenianscabaretole@gmail.com.

— Flyer from Westport Public Schools