Student cabaret and community fundraiser returns to live event after two years

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EAST PROVIDENCE — St. Mary Academy – Bay View (“Bay View”) announces the Bay View Players are back with their first, live, cabaret-style performance since 2019. “Cabaret 39: The Journey Goes On!” will take place from April 28-30 over the school’s annual fundraising weekend, formerly known as “Manhattan at the Bay.” The weekend has been affectionately renamed “Back to the Bay” to welcome the community back to the campus for the first time in over two years.
“Cabaret 39: The Journey Goes On!” brings the brilliance of the Broadway stage to Bay View with a montage of musical favorites amidst sparkling costumes, dazzling dances, and grand settings. Audiences of all ages are invited to witness this spectacular performance and journey Back to the Bay for a presentation that is not to be missed.
Thirty-nine years ago, Bay View’s cabaret-style show started when the school’s new music and theater teacher, Christine D. Kavanagh, was asked to create a small show. Kavanagh assembled a production team consisting of Musical Director Diane Gualtieri, Choreographer Cindy LoSasso, and Percussionist Karen Mellor. Then, Kavanagh recruited a cast of 30 student performers and staged a cabaret-style show in the school’s gymnasium. The performances sold out, and a tradition was born.
For the first time, the show will move forward without Kavanagh at the helm. With great sadness, Bay View announced in January that their beloved music director passed away after a long battle with cancer. Mentored by Kavanagh, the show will be directed by Nancy Anastadis Peters '04, an alumna of the Academy who has worked alongside Kavanagh in the Performing Arts Department since 2017.
“It is a true honor and privilege to carry on the legacy of our beloved Mrs. Kavanagh,” stated Peters. “Cabaret was a magical experience for me as a student, and I will never forget how the production team helped me reach my full potential. I am thrilled to share my love of the performing arts with our current students and watch them grow.”
In addition to the cabaret show, Back to the Bay weekend will host an inaugural Bay View Pub Night and Auction, on April 29, with dancing, a DJ, and musical performances by alumna Christiana Rodi Caprarelli '07 and the band Blurred Vision. The weekend’s festivities will include athletic games, tours of the new Barbara A. Papitto Science and Innovation Center, and other exciting events.
“Our rebranding of its name ‘Back to the Bay’ is more than appropriate this year,” said Dr. Marcela Rossi, Principal of St. Mary Academy - Bay View. “After a two-year hiatus of live performances, I am excited to see our girls on stage. This weekend will not only highlight our talented performers but will be an opportunity to welcome alumnae, parents, and families who hold Bay View dear to their hearts. I do not doubt that Christine Kavanagh will be looking down on us with a smile on her face and that characteristic twinkle in her eye.”
All proceeds from the weekend go towards school operating expenses to keep tuition affordable for St. Mary Academy - Bay View families. In addition, Bay View will raise funds for the Christine D. Kavanagh Endowment for the Performing Arts.
Back to the Bay weekend runs from April 28-30. More information about sponsorship, showtimes, tickets, and special events, can be found at: https://www.bayviewacademy.org/backtothebay.