Good Samaritan variety show and fund raiser Saturday at Backus, features music of the theater
Paths of real red carpeting will be just one of the festive highlights at the musical theater show to be presented Saturday at Backus Community Center. “Musical Madness: A Red Carpet Event” is a major fund raiser for the Good Samaritan Care Center of International Falls.
The community variety show featuring Broadway and movie musical numbers begins at 7 p.m.
Brenda Jones, producer and director of the variety show, and marketing and resource development director at Good Sam, said the idea to add red carpeting was a whimsical touch that she chose to give the evening a gala atmosphere.
When Jones went looking for fund raiser promotions needed to provide some large-ticket items that will improve the lives of Good Sam residents, she said their love of music was her inspiration.
“With resources like Backus and a host of talented musicians and singers, the inspiration quickly turned into action,” Jones said.
She said that word of mouth quickly grew a list of community performers of all ages, willing to donate their time and talents to a good cause. An enticing bonus — each of the acts also got to designate a charity of its own towards which a smaller portion of the proceeds will go.
Under the canopy of theatrical music productions, Jones had the performers select their own songs. Vocalists will be accompanied by local musicians Myron Hawrylak on the piano, Gary Hooker on the guitar, Scott Askey on drums, and Robert Leland Jacobsen on bass.
Musical theater was chosen because it evokes special times and memories, Jones said. “There is something for everyone,” she noted.
Along with raising funds, the event is also presented to promote the nursing home’s hallmark values and an awareness of its services.
Receiving important support by the resources and staff available to the center, Jones said the event was also made possible because of local sponsors as well as staff at Backus Community Center and the Good Samaritan Society.
And Good Sam staff members are getting into the act. Mistress of Ceremony will be Shawn Shofner, NW Regional Resource and Development Consultant for Good Samaritan Societies; and local Administrator Adam Coe will offer a prayer.
A list of the scheduled performances includes the following:
• “Fiddler on the Roof” medley by the Rainy Lake Community Orchestra Ensemble.
• “Colors of the Wind” from “Pocahantis” by the Community Band led by John Faith.
• “Beauty and the Beast” sung by Paige Boyum and followed by Darcie’s Dance Dazzlers Performing Line, dancing to “Be Our Guest.”
• “Part of My World” from “The Little Mermaid” sung by Danielle Allen.
• “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from “Carousel” sung by Margarete Kostiuk.
• “I’m Going to Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair,” from “South Pacific” and “Happy Talk” sung by Naomi Woods.
• “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?” from “My Fair Lady” sung by Paige Boyum.
• “Life is a Cabaret” and “Maybe This Time” from “Cabaret” sung by Francie Nemec-Green.
• “76 Trombones” from “The Music Man” performed by Margarete Kostiuk and the Brass Band.
• “Aquarius/Let the Sun Shine” from “Hair” sung by community vocalists.
• “Memory” from “Cats” sung by Cassidy Frank.
• “Do Re Mi” from “The Sound of Music” performed by the Community Band; and the theme song sung by Francie Nemec-Green.
• Finale: “So Long, Farewell” from “The Sound of Music.”
Tickets are priced at $10 per person. They will be sold at the door and in advance at the Backus office. A refreshment bar will be available during intermission. More information is available by calling Jones at 283-8313, extension 114.
Jones said she has been impressed by the cooperation and generosity of the community, and its willingness to support the endeavor. She hopes to call on that spirit again in the future.
“Since this is the first time I have stepped into a producer’s role, I can say that it has been a learning experience that I will never forget,” she said. “I hope to be able to apply my knowledge to an annual event.”
If you go:
WHAT: “Musical Madness: A Red Carpet Event” — Musical Theater Variety Show
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Backus Community Center
WHY: To enjoy an evening of all-local talent from all ages, and raise funds that will improve the lives of
residents at the Good Samaritan Care Center.
Tickets $10 per person, available at the door and in advance at the Backus office.
