Eric Lifland
On Friday, Nov. 14, Poly’s Vocal Ensemble hosted its inaugural Miscast Cabaret in the Garland Black Box. The performance consisted of 18 solo and duet numbers, including a culminating ensemble number. Student performers embraced the creative challenge of “miscasting,” that is, performing songs that do not fit their age, gender, vocal range or archetype, to deliver fresh interpretations of the pieces.
“I’ve been at Poly for 21 years, and I can’t remember ever having such an abundance of talent,” shared attendee Upper School English Teacher Laura Marion. “I can’t imagine a more enjoyable night than hearing wonderful voices singing wonderful songs. I’d come again next week if they’d do it again.”
Each performer worked individually with Upper School Performing Arts Teacher and Vocal Ensemble faculty advisor Eric Lifland, as well as the Vocal Ensemble Co-Presidents, seniors Madeleine Delbridge and Anastasia Arrieta (who respectively played Jay Gatsby from “The Great Gatsby” and Jack Singer from “Honeymoon in Vegas” in their solo numbers) to find and workshop their pieces for the performance. The idea for Miscast Cabaret originated in 2022, when Delbridge, then a freshman, suggested the concept to Lifland as something the ensemble might explore. Three years later, Miscast Cabaret came to life as a result of the ensemble’s expansion from eight members in 2022 to its current forty.
“Vocal Ensemble’s first ever Miscast night was an absolute delight! The evening was filled with fantastic, hilarious and heartfelt performances,” commented Lifland. “I was honored to make my own debut as Mr. Krabs [from “The SpongeBob Musical”]. It was a joy to rehearse these songs with the students.”
“I’ve always loved the idea of a Miscast performance because it lets students step outside their comfort zones and share a side of themselves they don’t always get to show,” said Delbridge. “I hoped it would unite people in a fun, low-pressure performance, and seeing everyone embrace it with so much joy was so meaningful.”
Inspired by New York City’s MCC Theater’s annual Miscast presentation, the event featured a slideshow accompanying the performers, along with nametags for each performer that featured the identity they assumed for the night.
“I really enjoyed watching everyone perform songs outside of their comfort levels, especially the freshmen who performed their first solos in the Upper School,” said junior Alexandra Tan, who serves as Vocal Ensemble Vice-President alongside junior Olivia Rivera-Vasquez. “Costumes and unexpected songs added to the laughter and joy in our performances!”
The event reached a touching finale when the entire Vocal Ensemble performed Tim Minchin’s “When I Grow Up” from “Matilda the Musical,” featuring solos of the four student leaders: Delbridge, Arrieta, Tan, and Rivera-Vasquez.
Several numbers received standing ovations, possibly cementing the show’s place in Poly’s growing roster of student-led arts events. After this strong debut, Vocal Ensemble members look forward to continuing this playful and creative tradition in the years to come.