A Caberet for Hope

There’s nothing better than learning about local kids that involve themselves in opportunities that will benefit others. It means we’re raising ours kids to be charitable, giving and empathetic to the world around us.

Stevenson graduate Elissa Newcorn grew up in Buffalo Grove and was always very involved in theater. She was in the high school musicals all four years and a member of the Thespian Society. She was also a Patriot Singer and a member of the jazz ensemble.

Now as the artistic and administrative intern at the Chicago Dramatists Playwright’s Theater, she has taken her passion for musical theater and created a way to help others. Along with friends and fellow performers Elise Morrow-Schap, Micah Fortenberry, Katie Davis, Michael Mejia and accompanist David Richards, they created a cabaret show called "Sounds of Hope: A Benefit Cabaret to Help the People and Country of Japan." The event held this past Saturday evening, for only $10 a ticket, raised funds for Japan through the Catholic Relief Services.

Elissa explained, “The cabaret was a mix of all different genres of music, from classic folk rock, to show tunes, to an original song written by the performers specifically for this benefit. I have never been involved in a benefit like this, but my friends and I were so excited and happy to use what we love to do to help others in need. It's the little things like this cabaret that can make even a small difference.”

I believe she’s right. Every little bit helps and I’m sure this night of great music will certainly help someone, somehow, in Japan.

As always, email me with any news, topics or ideas that you want to read about. Remember, I’d like to be the first to know! I can be reached at laurenbgpatch@aol.com.