One of the biggest surprises of the evening was Chancel Choir Director Kevin McBeth's surprise appearance in the middle of a song by The Staff Sisters, members of the church staff dressed as nuns. Kevin portrayed the Whoopie Goldberg character from the movie Sister Act. And he did it quit well, we might add. His appearance in choir robe and pink shoes brought the house down. Final financial figures won't be known until expenses are
tallied and all ticket money is turned in. But, it's safe to say the Chancel
Choir's activities and scholarship fund is in sound shape after Saturday's
Follies. Fortunately no one was injured during the production of the show, however we weren't so luck before the dress rehearsal. Chanteuse Emily Givens, who performed her original compositon Fiedler Lane, suffered a badly sprained ankle just hours before dress rehearsal on Friday. She spent most of the show backstage, crutches in hand. A bad case of laryngitis threatened Lindsey Baden's fetching performance of Rhode Island Is Famous For You, but she perservered for perfection. It would be hard to select a favorite act, and we certainly won't be doing that here. But, numerous individuals were discussing that very thing in the Narthex at church this morning. The fact that church members outside the Music Ministry are talking about our programming and its ability to showcase the church to new members is worth the work by itself. Kevin noted prior to worship this morning that a couple of people already are planning their acts for the next Follies in 2007. In a note to Chancel Choir officers on Sunday, Follies Director
Borger said: "I've heard nothing but raves as well! I couldn't have
been more pleased with everyone's
performance (both on stage and back stage/upstairs). My expectations were
high and they were exceeded! There is so much talent floating around MUMC
-- it's truly amazing. Everyone put their best foot forward - and jumped
in to get things done whenever asked. The help during strike was awesome
and enabled us to return the Sanctuary to its normal form in record time.
For all of that I'm deeply appreciative and hope that every single person
connected with the effort has heard that from me - or will in the near
future! Your support of, and confidence in, me is also appreciated and
immensely helpful. Both Lori and I want to thank the choir and cast for
their generosity (and the card and comments were wonderful!). We will
love taking advantage of the evenings out that you have afforded us! I'm
sure you know that I (we) do this without expectation of reward - the
experience and the end result are reward enough! However - we love the
icing on the cake!" |
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