In “The Tiki Room” with Show Choir

Entertaining story, delightful songs and colorful costumes brighten WJ’s stage

Caitlin Drake, Staff Writer|October 25, 2017

Hawaiian war chants, volcanic eruptions, birds tweeting and fishing all contribute to a fun show choir performance. This year’s theme is “The Tiki Room,” from the show in Disney World. As junior Anne Pivonka described, “It’s a really comical Hawaiian-themed show with all different types of music, but technically it requires a lot of work.” The choir sings one song completely in the Hawaiian native language, adding authenticity to the show. Harmony Gold’s director, Mr. David Banks, really enjoys the theme this year, as he explained, “The show has a lot of depth and the details were well designed.”

(Caitlin Drake)
WJ’s Show Choir prepares for a great season of performances with their new theme in “The Tiki Room.”

Every year the show choir is given a new theme by their directors and hardworking “dream team” from California. The local directors include Mr. Banks, Mr. Vince Matia, Mr. Nick Angiocchi and Miss Allison Stibrick. In California, Erik Hall, the choreographer, is a professional dancer and has even been featured on the Grammys. Show designer Jen Oundjian comes up with the themes, costume design and overall look of the show. Cooper Baldwin arranges music for the band and choir.

“The Tiki Room” provides a great chance for the performers to have a lot of fun. Mr. Banks describes this show as “a musical comedy. It’s not serious; it’s a more comedic show for sure.” Matt Volpe, a junior, added onto what Mr. Banks said because he agrees that there are so many funny moments and crazy plot changes to the show. “One moment everyone is relaxed and on an island and, in the next song, the girls are acting like birds. There’s so much change which makes the show entertaining for an audience.”

JoJo Radecky, ‘19, and Charlie Kadair, ‘20, have the opportunity to show off their musical talent in a duet. From Disney’s “High School Musical,” JoJo plays Pineapple Princess Tiki as she and Charlie sing “Humahumanukanukapua.” JoJo gets carried in on a throne and even demonstrates her fish sounds like the character does in the movie.

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Being pushed in vocals and choreography will help us to excel and do better than last year

— Matt Volpe, '19

Kaitlyn Gabric, a four-year senior member and dance captain of the show choir, shared how excited she is to work with the choir to make them the best yet. Harmony Gold has been given an intricate show this year, but they are ready to take on the challenge. Kaitlyn noted, “Everyone needs to practice embodying their character and using their best facials.”

The choir set goals, including doing well at competitions, at their lock-in a few months ago. Matt Volpe said, “Being pushed in vocals and choreography will help us to excel and do better than last year.” They are ready to win many awards this season. Mr Banks is most excited to win best costumes because the show features a lot of fun materials and vibrant colors, such as bright teal heels and feathers for the girls. The boys will be wearing bright green Hawaiian shirts with flashy purple pants.