Solos, duets, trios, a cappella numbers, live bands and choreographed dances filled the stage at First Year Players’ annual "Cabaret" show. The event featured 20 performances, but the night’s mission extended beyond the spotlight.

For the past five years, First Year Players, a Syracuse University student theater group, has partnered with Front Row Players, a musical theater program for adults of all abilities, to raise funds and awareness through "Cabaret."

“We provide a venue for our actors to share their passion for performance and musical theater with their community,” said Deb Cavanagh, president of Front Row Players.

Cavanagh said the partnership aligns perfectly with the missions of both organizations.

“I think our missions are so closely aligned with giving people who have a joy and love for performance the ability to be on stage that it makes sense,” Cavanagh said.

This year, three Front Row Players soloists and one big group number performed during "Cabaret." It was a process complete with rehearsals leading up to the show.

“A lot of fun and laughs,” said Jordan Hagen, a six-year member of Front Row Players, who performed in the group number.

Hagen added that being a part of the group is about more than just singing.

“I like that everyone with different types of disabilities are included,” Hagen said.

For Kathleen Coughlin, who has been in Front Row Players for eight years, performing at "Cabaret" is always a thrill.

“I’m so excited about that show,” Coughlin said.

Bobby Pangborn, a six-year veteran of Front Row Players, echoed that excitement.

“I’m in the big group number, and at the beginning I do a little dance,” Pangborn said. “Even though we have different disabilities, we still have a gift.”