By: Aiyana Moore ~Staff Writer~
“Le Chat Noir,” 19th Century Paris’ first cabaret house, is making a comeback this February with Xavier Players’ own version of the show.
“We called it ‘Le Chat Noir’ because it was, in France, a coffee house,” the musical director, Laura DeBrunner, said. “We’re doing something like that: sophisticated, but also simple.”
The Xavier Players’ version of “Le Chat Noir” will feature the coffee house feel of the original show with performances by the Players cast, food and even a little karaoke.
“It’s really just a chance for musical theater lovers to come together and enjoy each other’s company and eat some snacks,” Ellen Godbey, the show’s producer, said in an email.
“Le Chat Noir” will feature a mix of songs that will showcase the talent of the performers. “It will be comedic, but there will also be some really heartfelt, dramatic songs,” Debrunner said. “We wanted something other than songs about love and hate. We wanted something everyone can relate to.”
“Le Chat Noir” will also feature a section where audience members will be invited to join the show.
“We welcome anyone and everyone to come and sing something they maybe are rehearsing or just like to sing in the shower,” Godbey said.
The Xavier Players will provide instrumental tracks and the lyrics for any viewers who wish to become part of the show.
“At Xavier, there are so many different people with so many different talents and it’s great to put them in the spotlight,” Debrunner said about the karaoke section of the show.
The Players also have plans to host their annual Voices for Change show this spring. Voices for Change “consists of student-written scenes, songs, monologues, poems, raps, etc. about problems and controversial subjects in our world today,”
Godbey said. “It’s a great platform for people to talk about social issues,”
Debrunner said. Xavier Players holds meetings every Monday and welcome Xavier students to join and learn more about the organization. Meeting minutes are also posted on the bulletin board in front of the studio theater for students who would like to know about future
Players events. “Le Chat Noir” will take place at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 6 in the lower level of GSC.
“Musicians want music to be available to everyone,” Debrunner said. “Le Chat Noir” will also provide food at is performance. Admission is free for all students, faculty members and guests.
