More than 125 Mt. Lebanon choral students performed in the 2026 Broadway Cabaret at the Mt. Lebanon High School Fine Arts Theatre Jan. 8–10. This marked the district’s 17th annual Cabaret and the 10th under the direction of Ethan M. LaPlaca, director of choirs at Mt. Lebanon High School. Packed with Broadway hits, choreography and costumes, Cabaret delivered a lively medley of singing, dancing and comedy.
After taking over the choral program in 2016, LaPlaca set out to expand and enhance Cabaret. He proposed doubling the number of performances and creating two rotating casts, each performing twice.
“I thought it was a great way to maximize stage time and get everyone involved as much as possible,” LaPlaca said. “The idea was fully supported, and we sold out all four shows within hours. We are so fortunate to have a district and community that supports and celebrates the arts.”
With LaPlaca’s leadership, student involvement—and competition—has never been higher. Through an audition process open to all choir students, nearly 40 solo and duet numbers were cast this year, along with 14 group numbers. Students rehearsed one to two times per day for nearly two months. Performances were accompanied by LaPlaca on piano, Justin Bendel on bass and Tom Earley on drums.
“The show takes a considerable amount of work and coordination and couldn’t happen without the help of students, parents and volunteers who so generously donate their time,” LaPlaca said. He especially relied on student leaders, including the student directors from the three select ensembles: Triple Trio, Men’s Ensemble and Chamber Choir.
High school junior Vincent DeLuca, Men’s Ensemble student director, said Cabaret offers opportunities students might not otherwise have.
“It’s always awesome to be able to perform songs you wouldn’t be able to do otherwise,” DeLuca said. “In my case, it was ‘The Room Where It Happens.’ Cabaret was a great opportunity to perform that song.”
Show choreography and lighting are traditionally designed by a senior and junior from the choral program, who support one another as they learn to design, teach and lead aspects of the production. This year, those roles were filled by senior Addie Young and junior Grace Prendergast.
After the show, singer and costume manager Sophie Braun reflected on what comes next.
“Now that Cabaret is over, most of the kids in choir are getting ready to start rehearsals for our spring musical, Shrek, where I am lucky enough to be playing Fiona,” Braun said. “I love choir and the friends and experiences it has brought me, and I can’t wait for this spring with all of our rehearsals, costumes and shows.”
Upcoming events include the Mt. Lebanon School District’s Tiered Choral Concert on Feb. 25, 2026, featuring choir students in grades five through 12 performing together in the high school auditorium. The Mt. Lebanon High School Choral Department’s Masterworks Concert will follow on March 24, 2026, at Southminster Presbyterian Church, offering students the opportunity to perform in a setting known for its unique acoustics and architecture. The season concludes with the Mt. Lebanon High School spring musical, Shrek, running April 30–May 2, 2026.
For tickets and more information, visit www.mtlsd.org.
