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Health & Fitness

Encore! Bravo! Linfield Christian School Performing Arts Kudos!

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Opting for the 2PM, Sunday musical, ‘Singin’ in the Rain’, presented by Linfield Christian School Performing Arts last weekend, I arrived a tad early. I wanted to hug my son, Juan, but the theater had yet to open. Besides, he was probably busy rehearsing among the bevy of teenaged beauties.

Standing in the makeshift line, I began conversing with the adoring, familial fans of the multi-talented thespians, the musicians and the stage hands. I brought my camera. I was sharing with Dick and Nancy that I had been conducting small, household repairs earlier in the day: replacing water lines in the drip irrigation system in the front yard; removing and replacing the shower head; replacing bolts in arm of the garage door opener – little things. “I know what you mean,” said Nancy. “Those small repairs can turn into day-long chores,” she whispered loud enough for Dick to hear. 

They both laughed as Nancy said that guesstimates for hanging pictures, general measurements and informal budgeting has worked well for her, over the years. Dick said he prefers to collect the T-square, the tape measure, the calculator and the spreadsheet before he fixes anything.

“I bet you’re an engineer,” I said to Dick.
“I’m a retired architect,” he answered.
“Creative, linear, numbers kind of guy,” I said.
“That’s right! He’s really brilliant,” said Nancy, proudly.  Dick’s face turned a little red. He lauded his wife’s decorative know-how and her obvious beauty.
“Our granddaughter, Mandy, is in the play. She’s a sophomore. The students and the teachers have worked really hard on this production. We can’t wait to see it,” Nancy said.

Once in the theater, it was clear that the production was in full-swing.  I don’t know how one-hundred (or more) students managed to flawlessly and simultaneously sing, dance and act, but I’ll take a gander and say that Director Jennifer Lloyd and her husband, Steve, had a hand (and voice) in it.

Most every scene demanded a song with a (tap) dance routine choreographed by Blythe Baker. The ensembles pulled it together so wonderfully, the story line flowed effortlessly. The lighting designer, Chloe Howard and the crew didn’t miss a cue. The Singin’ Pit Orchestra paralleled professional musicians.

Even the furniture movers, Kyle Draughn and Warner Scheibe conducted the arduous task with poise. I felt as though I was enjoying a Broadway show.  Indeed, some of the cast, the instructors and parents played multiple, imperative roles – like manning the snack bar, replete with fresh popcorn and cotton candy. On stage kudos to each ensemble and the supporting cast.

Bailey Norris (Don Lockwood), Cora Lakey (Kathy Selden), Brian Erickson (Cosmo Brown) and Nikki Schwankl (Lina Lamont) portrayed professional kinship amid the conflict of a professional and romantic triangle. Lina Lamont is the antagonist in the classic story which chronicles two, famous movie stars’ difficult transition from silent, gesticulant, drama into more sublime, talkie movies in the 1920s. Nikki Swankl’s speaking rendition of the high-pitched, cacophonous, grammatically challenged New Yorker, Lina Lamont, deserves an award for a perfectly captivating, humorous performance.

Likewise, the smooth, singing voice of Cora Lakey, coupled with dancing and acting abilities, pose far-reaching, professional implications for the talented and stunning young woman. Brian Erickson and Bailey Norris took their dapper, comic, respective characters, literally, over the top of a couch and dangling from the iconic lamp post with streamlined dance moves.

Folks, this was a BIG, musical production, exceeding most high school drama standards.

“I have a whole lot of people to thank,” said the director, Jennifer Lloyd. “We shot the vintage footage off-site and incorporated the segments into the stage play.  Our film crew did a wonderful job. I’m so proud of the students. Both the parental and community support has been overwhelming,” she said.

Indeed, I had the overwhelming urge to dust off my tap shoes (yes, I have tap shoes), but I think I’ll stick to writing while I hum the snappy tune, ‘Good Morning’.  The musical was videotaped by Steve Lloyd. DVDs can be purchased for $20 ($4 each for shipping and handling). Email: fineartsevents@linfield.com with Singin’ in the Rain DVD in the subject line.

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