TA News

For those of us lucky enough to be in the audience at one of the four sold-out shows last weekend, the experience was deeply moving. Our student cast and crew, under the direction of TA’s performing arts teacher, Jeff Seabaugh, created a stunning performance and navigated complex material with nuance, maturity, and compelling authenticity. Kudos to all involved, including the talented adult musicians who comprised the cabaret orchestra.

Jeff Seabaugh describes the play’s setting and storyline and shares important context about his decision to select Cabaret for this year’s musical in the program director’s notes (quoted below). What an inspiring example of an educator following a student’s lead and making a bold decision to take on a big challenge. With big challenges can come enormous returns – and Cabaret delivered just that: a high-impact and unforgettable show for those on stage, behind the scenes, and in the audience!

Director’s Notes – Cabaret Program:

Welcome to Thetford Academy’s production of Cabaret.

Though this musical is set in 1930s Berlin, its themes are still timely and relevant. In a world where political division, fear, and misinformation can shape societies in subtle ways, Cabaret asks us to pay attention–to notice what happens when people look away, stay silent, or convince themselves that troubling changes are temporary or harmless. This story is a reminder that history does not simply live in the past. The phrase “history repeats itself” is a stern warning.

During last year’s play selection process, I received a letter from student Aiden Otterman advocating for Cabaret. In his words, “it is time for TA Drama to compel our audiences to open their eyes to the political state of our nation. And what better musical experience could we put on that could inform and motivate our audience to take a stand, than Cabaret.” He went on to highlight how the show’s themes-–economic hardship, political ignorance, and the rise of fascism–make it uniquely positioned to create meaningful impact within a community.

Reading his letter reinforced something I believe deeply: that our students deserve the opportunity to grapple with complex, challenging material and to share stories that ask something of their audience. Cabaret does exactly that. It does not offer easy answers, but instead invites to reflect on the consequences of disengagement and the cost of ignoring the world around us.

This production is the result of students leaning into that challenge. They have approached this material with thoughtful, courage, and a deep sense of responsibility to the story and its message. My hope is that as you watch, you are not only moved by the performances on stage, but also inspired to reflect on the choices we all make as individuals and as a community.

Thank you for being here–and for being willing to listen.

Jeff Seabaugh, Performing Arts Teacher/Director of Drama and Choral Programs

Original news post with a list of cast and crew: LINK

Dan Grossman’s SmugMug site with albums of both casts (Fri. and Sat. night performances): LINK