Archive: Arts & Entertainment

Lansing Middle School Auditorium was bursting with cheers as the 2007 High School Talent Show took the stage Saturday.  The crowd was supportive and enthusiastic as they cheered 19 acts that included rock bands, a dramatic reading, comedy skit, instrumental solos and songs.  A show like that could seem long, but it didn't -- there wasn't a dud in the bunch.  It showed a remarkable range of talent that made for a fun night at the theater.


Hosted by the very silly High School English Teacher Julie Berens and Senior Marlene VasEs, the evening started strong with "The Flares" playing "Let There Be Rock."  Brendan Barrett, Adam Beckwith, David Jones, Frank Massi, and Chris Meagher rocked the house with virtuoso guitar turns and moves.  Will Hicks followed with a monologue from Shakespeare's "Henry V," and Mike Geiger and Jason Weidman sang a rendition of "Don't Sleep."


Benjamin Hummel played the traditional Orange Blossom Special on the fiddle.  Next up was Pieran (Mamie) Yu performing "The Dancing Phoenix," a traditional Chinese dance.  Susan Lin followed with a stirring piano solo performance of Setliff's "Romantic Seranade."


Will Hicks, Nick VanDerzee, and Max MacKenzie performed "The Shining Knights of Light," a hip, dry comedy that culminated in a sword fight between Hicks and MacKenzie with swords apparently crafted of duct tape.  Next up was Stephanie Peter with a rendition of Deena Carter's "Strawberry Wine."  And finishing Act I was a duet with Haley Bacorn and Andy Lockwood singing "At The Beginning."


Act II began with "Lady Marmalade," a dance and vocal number performed by Preeti Panda, Katie Bruno, Keelin Davis, and Regina Ryan.  More vocals followed with Veronica Palladino singing "White Houses," Regina Ryan singing "Waiting for Life," and Jessica Morse performing her original rap, "I'm a Real O.G."


Keelin Davis performed a virtuoso violin solo followed by vocals by Andy Lockwood and Mamie Yu.  Sadie Purcell performed Rachmaninoff's "Elegie op. 3 no. 1" on piano.  The evening ended with a rousing performance by Final Call -- Mike Geiger, Zach Jones, Nick Mallinson, and Jason Weidman performing two original songs.


The proceeds benefit "D-Day," short for "Different Day of Learning" that is held at the High School every other year.  The day features people from all walks of life who come to the school to tell students about what they do.  It was a great show, well worth the price of admission.

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