Thanks for the memories
Ronan Show Choir honors retiring director during Cabaret performance
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RONAN — It was a night of laughs and a few tears for Cathy Gillhouse as she directed her final Cabaret show at the Ronan Performing Arts Center May 5.
Ronan’s show choir director shared with the crowd that she is retiring at the end of this year after 31 years of producing the show.
“I’ve been doing this for 40 years; it’s just time to retire,” Gillhouse said during intermission as she made sure props were ready to go for the “Laugh in” portion of the show.
She had words of praise and encouragement for her students as they prepped for the final act and changed costumes.
“Don’t let your voice drop,” she reminded a student as he whizzed by carrying a plate of cooked eggs.
She complimented another on the way he exuded his character’s personality as he smiled beneath a fake mustache.
Gillhouse just has a way of bringing out the best in her students.
Senior Jordan Allen sang “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groben and dedicated it to Gillhouse. Allen said the words described their relationship over the past six years.
“She pushes you to do the best of your ability so you reach your full potential,” Allen shared.
Every year, Cabaret has showcased a different theme, and this year’s “Laugh In” was a take on a popular sketch comedy show that aired from 1968 to 1973.
“It’s very bittersweet. I love the kids … it’s the community’s chance to see the talent; there is no other avenue to see all of this,” Gillhouse said. “I had no idea this was something that would become such a tradition in the community.”
Karen Lewing of Polson has attended eight installments of Cabaret over the years and is impressed every time.
“We’re really enjoying it, and we are so proud of Mrs. Gillhouse and the opportunity she has given to (her students) and to the entire Mission Valley,” Lewing said. “It’s pretty special. Every kid she has worked with has taken so much, and they’ll take it with them whether they are performers or not.”
