From Nov. 7 to 9, Clark Musical Theatre gifted the audience with nights of pizazz. Amazing vocals accompanied the song lineup, with selections from hit musicals like “Dear Evan Hansen,” “Hamilton,” “Wicked,” “Hairspray” and “Into the Woods.” The night encapsulated not just fun, but also a cause; fundraising for Jermiah’s Inn, which will provide food, housing and more for those in the Worcester community. Clarkies of different grades and experience levels came together to give the Clark community an unforgettable night, performed by musical miscastings alongside their fundraising for Jermiah’s Inn.

The Miscasts Cabaret was long in the making before its announcement on CMT’s Instagram page (@clarkmusicaltheatre). With so many songs, actors and technical cues, one could not ignore the long road that lay before the final production. Hence, it’s crucial to understand the road the (mis)cast walked before approaching their finish line. I reached out to co-directors Lily Hurlstone-Summers (‘27) and Thalia Shanahan (‘28) with lingering questions about their unique positions not just as co-directors but as actors as well. 

 Such as their performances of “Noel’s Lament” from “Ride the Cyclone” (Lily) and “Popular” from “Wicked” (Thalia), and of course, their magnetic chemistry in their duo performance of “Two Player Game” from “Be More Chill”. 

But first, I had to ask about why they took on the challenge, to which Thalia explained, “Lily and I are currently Co-Secretaries on the Clark Musical Theater E-Board! A while back, the idea of doing a cabaret had been pitched, and I began looking for a fun theme that we could do. At first, this was from a promotional standpoint, seeing as  I run the club’s social media pages, but I fell in love with the concept and wanted to be more involved. Lily and I took on the job together and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have directed children’s theater in the past, but I had not yet directed my peers. This was a fantastic first experience.” No theater production comes without its hurdles and grit. When met with those hurdles, they explained how they got through them: “Throughout the process, the thing that motivated me the most was seeing how joyful the performers were. Watching them perform songs from their favorite shows in roles they’ve dreamed of never failed to make me smile. Every rehearsal, each cast member came so happy to be there and ready to work.” Undeniably, the audience felt that joy. 

Additionally, another cast member offers a unique perspective on the Miscasts Cabaret. CMT club member and Miscast actor Sasha Jaramillo (‘29) offers insight on her involvement in her first CMT production. As someone new to the Clark theater scene, she detailed the immersion of it all: “I was expecting it to be pretty much impossible to be involved in any theatre productions as a first-year, and also knowing how strong the program is here, I thought there would be zero immersing for me. I was very surprised when I realized I was actually in the Miscast Cabaret cast.” And the audience was undeniably glad she did, with her charming duet piece “Therapy” from “Tick, Tick…Boom!” and her solo piece “Good Morning Baltimore” from “Hairspray” closing out the show. And despite multiple choreography numbers, ensemble vocals and a brief sickness, she undeniably made her mark in Clark’s theater scene. She encourages other Clarkies regardless of grade, major or previous theater experience to join CMT, “…it’s a safe space where you can grow unique and strong connections with the very talented people you get to work with. I was beyond blessed to have such a kindhearted and very supportive and uplifting cast.”. And for anyone just wanting to dip their toes into theater for the first time, Thalia has some advice before getting in the water (please tell me y’all get this reference), “I would tell anyone new to theater to be brave, take risks, and work hard! Going on stage in front of a crowd can be terrifying, but it is also one of the most rewarding experiences.”