During the first week of December, our people supported and staff put on a spectacular show full of music, dancing, and acting. Since September, the cast and crew rehearsed to create a 40-minute performance featuring eight different stories.

While it wasn’t the first Musical Revue at ADAPT, it was the first one created by the current Theatre team. Self-Advocacy Specialist Sophie Thurschwell and Theatre Specialist Theo Kolbrener shared that the Musical Revue was inspired by the full-scale musical The Addams Family, which debuted in May 2025 by our people supported. After the show, the cast and crew began asking what would come next.

“Theatre allows people to work on a shared goal that is often vulnerable, exciting, and nerve wracking. Our actors support each other in incredible ways throughout the whole process, from cheering each other on, to practicing together after rehearsals, to whispering forgotten lines to one another with grace and ease.” Theo shares.

In response to the desire from people supported to continue rehearsing and performing together, Sophie and Theo decided to produce another show.

Through the suggestion of a student, the Musical Revue came to fruition. Over the course of two weeks auditions took place, and the theme of the Revue was born. The goal was to identify a common theme across favorite songs, with the interests of people supported shaping which songs and solos were included. Centered around the powerful themes of connection and community, “We Go Together” became the theme of this year’s Musical Revue – a nod to “Grease.”

Sophie shares that every step of the rehearsal process was a highlight. From an epic air-guitar solo during “Slipping Through My Fingers” from Mamma Mia! to the dish-inspired choreography that had the whole cast enjoying themselves during the opening song “Be Our Guest” from Beauty and the Beast.  These moments were all developed collaboratively.

“ADAPT is a second family, and the theatre group is no different. “We Go Together,” captures the love and trust our actors bring to each other every day” says Theo.

“Theo and I like to encourage every person who works on our productions – whether it’s the cast, creative team, or crew – to take risks and try making choices, even if they feel ridiculous or strange in the moment” Sophie adds. “These exercises often lead to moments that stay in the show and stick with audience members. We are so grateful to work with such creative and zealous performers and artists!”

The Theatre team plans to perform the Musical Revue yearly around the holidays. Currently, they are most excited about their upcoming spring musical, Shrek, in May 2026.

ADAPT Community Network thanks all the staff and people supported who helped make this year’s Musical Revue possible.