After classes, student performers from the high school walk a couple of blocks down Punahou Street to Central Union Church to rehearse for Spartan Cabaret 2013.
"Spartan Cabaret is a showcase of student talent through singing, acting, music and dancing," said stage manager and director's assistant, Gwendilyn Liu. "There will be a lot of Broadway songs, show tunes, freestyle breakdancing, Hula and then I think we're going to have some classical music."
"I'm excited," said choreographer and performer Kani Severson. "This year we are reviving a lot of what we did my freshman year. A lot of the songs are the same, but it's a totally different set list. I choreographed a few numbers."
This year's show in particular stirs emotions of excitement and melancholy for seniors Gwendilyn and Kani. Spartan Cabaret is the first of several final performances for them at Maryknoll School.
"It's a little bittersweet," said Gwendilyn. "We do have a senior song. So all of the seniors are going to go up and sing. There are about four, five seniors who have been performing since freshman year and even before that when the grade school did cabaret with us."
If there's one thing director and drama teacher, Elitei Tatafu, Jr., has taught them and the other performers, it's to give their all with each performance, on-stage and off.
"When I entered cabaret, I looked up to Mr. Tatafu. I still look up to him a lot," said Kani. "He has been a super huge influence in my whole evolution as an actor and performer. I owe him a lot. I'm in community theatre a lot, and he's very involved in that community too. We were joking because sometime soon we're going to be (performing) as equals. It's going to be funny."
'Life is a cabaret ol' chum so come to the Cabaret." ~ Cabaret (1972)
Spartan Cabaret performances will be at Central Union Church on Fri., Nov 22 at 4:00 pm; Sat, Nov 23 at 6:00 pm; and Sun., Nov 24 at 4:00 pm. General Admission: $5; Students/Teachers: $2.