Reaching for the Stars: A Talent Show Tribute
Here we are: we have reached the final installment of the 10 Weeks to 10 Years series. The last 10 weeks we have taken a journey through the history of CenterStage Band and Show Choir. We are 1 week away from this season’s show, but, first we get to talk about a show that raised the bar to its highest level ever!
In 2015, CenterStage put on a show similar in theme to Anything Goes (2007) and What’s on Your Playlist (2009). This theme wasn’t about a specific time period or genre, but was more about showcasing a variety of music to highlight the various talents of the choir. The show was inspired by the inclusion of music in reality television and sitcoms like Glee, The Voice, The Sing-Off and American Idol.
I especially loved this theme because CenterStage was performing relatively current music.”Happy”, “Some Nights”, “Uptown Funk”, and “Riptide” were all released within 3 years of the CS performance.
Performing classic hits has always worked out for the group in the past. In some ways, putting together more contemporary selections was a risk.This risk definitely paid off though, as CenterStage put on a high-energy group of show-stopping songs. The show was rounded out with some classic crowd pleasers and high-octane dance numbers.
2015 also showed an increase in CenterStage’s online presence. Performers were so excited to share the progress of the show that they all took to social media to promote and give glimpses behind the scenes at the show. They even started the CenterStage Instagram account in the wings during a dress rehearsal.
Be sure to check out our Facebook (CenterStage Band and Show Choir) and Instagram (@center_stage_live) feeds throughout the next week to get a full behind the scenes experience.
As a “Talent Show Tribute”, is was a way for performers to imagine auditioning for the reality shows that have become so popular. I tried to imagine what a reality show following CenterStage members would look like and I think it would totally be worth watching!
Since I was sure no one in the choir would consider actually auditioning for The Voice, I asked members what they would sing at a karaoke bar (if forced). It might be worth noting that many members said that they would never sing karaoke–which I find interesting– but that makes the audience even more lucky to be around when these performers DO decide to sing!
Try to tell me that this setlist wouldn’t be worth seeing!
- Dancing Queen
- Eleanor Rigby
- God Bless the USA
- Lying Eyes
- Eastbound and Down
- Let It Be
- Still The One
- Love Shack
- Don’t Stop Believing
I like to think that we put on a little more of a production than your average bar so you won’t want to miss this year’s show, A Night on Broadway!
We can’t wait to show you what we’ve been working on for the last nine months! These next 7 days will be a whirlwind and we are so excited to finally get to the finish line to share it all with you!
Clear your schedule September 29, 30, and October 1, 7:30pm at the Grand Theatre.
Admission is free!
Be sure to come back here next week and check out my OPENING NIGHT blog with my final thoughts and every reason why you NEED to see this show!