Performers bring passion to annual show at Central

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By Jody Ferres | Tuesday, January 30, 2007 12:09 AM CST | () comments

(Lauren M. Anderson/QUAD-CITY TIMES) Carolin Schneider performs a selection from the movie “Barefoot” on Sunday during “Under the Big Top,” Davenport Central High School’s annual variety show.

Girls from the Davenport Central High School senior class perform a dance routine to “The Pink Panther Theme” by Henry Mancini. Davenport Central High School’s annual variety show featured student talent in instrumental and vocal music, dance and comedy.

They may have started out joking about how the interior of Kahler Auditorium hasn’t changed since 1905. But there wasn’t anything funny about the caliber of performers at Central High School’s annual variety show.

From a sultry rendition of “The Pink Panther Theme” to original songs written and performed by Central High students, “Under the Big Top” had a little something for everybody.

One spectator loved it so much he attended performances Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

“It never ceases to amaze me how incredible these students are,” said Gary Alterman, whose nephew played with the Central High School Strings. “It’s kinda like watching ‘American Idol’ live, only each performance is better than the next.”

Of the 140 students who played a role, only some are in school-sponsored music groups. Others just have a passion for music, comedy and performing.

The show was developed to give others an outlet to perform, vocal teacher Michael Reese said.

“They opened up the auditions to the whole school,” he said. “People who don’t normally get a chance to perform or sing a solo can have that chance.”

Since the first show started in the early ’40s, the event has been used as a fundraiser for the school’s arts programs

Auditions began just three weeks before the three days of performance. Music teachers, including Reese, view the show and prepare the program while giving students feedback on enhancing their performance.

“We give them a few suggestions as to how it could be different, but they really do everything on their own,” Reese said. “It ends up being a great show for the audience.”

From the sound of applause, crowd favorites included “Pray,” a vocal and piano solo written and performed by student Ashley McAffee to accompany baton-twirler Katy Paulsen.

Freshman Kelsey VandenBerg, 14, enjoyed her first experience with the annual show. After she performed with the show choir, she said the feel of the show was much different from a regular competition.

“All of our friends were here during the shows, and it’s nice to show off to your parents and friends,” VandenBerg said.

Even for veteran Nelson Bates, who performed in his third variety show, the importance of the event remains the same.

“Everyone was really well-rehearsed, and that is important for an event like this,” said Bates, who played trumpet with the jazz band. “This isn’t just kids performing. It really reflects on our school and also on our extra-curricular activities.”

Doris Miller hasn’t had any children or a grandchild in the annual show for eight years, but the Davenport woman always makes an appearance at Kahler Auditorium to enjoy the annual tradition.

“The kids have so much talent and they are so passionate about sharing it to others who can’t sing, like me,” Miller said, with a laugh. “As long as they keep having the show, I’ll keep coming and watching these talented kids.”

The city desk can be contacted at (563) 383-2450 or newsroom@qctimes.com.