Manhattan University’s Players performing Victorious Cabaret, Oct. 23.
ZENDRAH BONNICK / THE QUADRANGLE
Leyla J. Mercado, Features Editor and Asst. Social Media Editor
Manhattan University’s (MU) Players took the stage on Oct. 23 for their “Victorious Cabaret,” bringing the Nickelodeon sitcom to life through student performances.
Each semester, one student is given the opportunity to direct a production inspired by an existing piece of media. This semester, the Players selected Victorious, an American teen musical sitcom that follows Tori Vega, a teenager who enrolls at Hollywood Arts High School to pursue her passion for singing. The series centers on Tori and her friends as they navigate performing arts classes, teenage drama and comedic misadventures.
The cabaret was directed by Daniel Berak, a junior history major. The idea for the theme developed during a visit to California, where Berak and fellow Players member Sophia Whitmore finalized the set list while driving to Los Angeles.
Sophia Whitmore, a sophomore adolescent education major and assistant director of the Players, described how the production developed from its initial concept into the final performance audiences saw on stage.
perform at Victorious Cabaret.
@MU_PLAYERS / INSTAGRAM
“Making sure the show went really smoothly and the only changes we made came from the creative minds of our cast,” Whitmore said. “They all came in with such great ideas ready to take the material and make it their own.”
Whitmore also discussed her role in bringing Berak’s vision to life, highlighting the creative problem-solving required throughout the production process.
“There was a week in the production where our director sadly had to step out of the production, and I had to step up and learn to do a lot of things I did not know how to do,” Whitmore said. “Fully directing and vocal directing on top of school, performing in the cabaret, and my part-time job was really stressful, but I couldn’t have done it without the support of my wonderful case and Kristina Bopp and Mary Calden.”
Natali Runles, sophomore environmental science major and cast member of the cabaret, spoke on the collaboration that made this year’s cabaret so memorable.
“I think the first time we did the method acting sleepover scene, that was when I really saw people committing to their parts, and I was like, ‘oh, this is going to come together,’” Runles said. “I think even seeing that scene, like from when we first ran it to now, it’s grown so much, and like that just rings true about the whole show.”
The cast developed a collaborative dynamic throughout the rehearsal process, with members building connections that helped guide rehearsals. Berak and Whitmore encouraged performers to interpret their respective characters in their own way while taking creative liberties with the original material.
“The cast has been an absolute blast to work with,” Whitmore said. “I’m just so unbelievably proud. I think one of my favorite moments has been putting together ‘Five Fingaz to the Face!’ Every single person in that number has made it such a fun and hype number.”
The “Victorious” Cabaret differed from the Players’ previous productions, drawing on the nostalgia associated with the original television series.
“I think it’s just really intense compared to other cabarets,” Runles said. “[In] almost every scene or number there is some type of laughable thing, or they’re just going to be amazed by either choreography or watching people fully immerse themselves in these songs.”
The performers hope audiences leave with a sense of the joy and enthusiasm shared on stage. For the cast, the Players’ stage serves as a space to express themselves through their art. For updates on upcoming productions and events, follow the Players on Instagram at @muplayers.