Heart & Music

On Thursday, September 20th, several of the finest singers from Philadelphia and New York City graced the stage at L’Etage for “Heart & Music,” a musical cabaret benefiting Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia (SOPA Philly). This production was organized by Young Professionals Committee member Allie Steele and produced by Nightcap Cabaret. The evening included songs from various musical theatre and pop music backgrounds. Every performance reflected on the theme of “Joy, Inclusion, and Overcoming Obstacles.” The goal of the evening was to raise money for SOPA Philly but to also raise awareness of the similarities between music and sports, and their ability to unify their participants.

In addition to the performers’ incredible voices, each performer shared their own stories of feeling marginalized, excluded, or challenged, and how music or theatre helped them the way that Special Olympics helps its athletes. Each song specifically showcased a different aspect of the theme and helped to bring a new awareness of our shared humanity to the audience.

The performers for “Heart & Music” included Sarah DeNight, Peter Lam, Kat Lemon, Chris Smith, Allie Steele, and Tavon Whitener, accompanied on the piano by Wesley Stohler. The evening’s ticket sales and donations totaled over $800, and the recording of the event can be found on YouTube at the following link: “Heart & Music” Cabaret Recording. Thank you to all who contributed to this magical evening!