Chancel Choir Update 10/30: Fall Follies News
Fall Follies 2005 Earns Rousing Reviews From Record Audience
The reviews are in and the show was a success. At least that's the consensus if you talk to just about anyone who attended the second MUMC Fall Follies Talent Show Saturday night.

"I just can't believe it," a bewildered audience member muttered as she left the Sanctuary following the show. "Where does all of that talent come from?" That disbelief also is apparent on the face of "stewardess and sometimes nun" Kelly Hall, at right in the photo above.Other comments included words such as: unbelievable, amazing, oh my, wow, touching, outstanding, hot, incredible, fun, and entertaining.

Head usher Jacque Rocchio estimated about 850 people attended the Follies -- slightly more than the audience at the first follies two years ago. The audience was described as energetic, appreciative and responsive by veteran Follies performers. A return appearance by Mr. Screen put the audience in a good frame of mind before the initial downbeat.

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.

The show proceeded with out a hitch, thanks to the masterful directorial skills of Bill Borger, former veteran show producer for Six Flags amusement parks. During the final weeks of preparation, Borger rehearsed countless hours with individual acts, providing gentle guidance to maximize talent and avoid performance embarrasment -- in other words, he saved us once again. His contribution to the show is even more significant when you consider neither he nor his wife, Lori, who privided the cast with encouragement and cookies, are members of the Chancel Choir.

Just before the final number, Chancel Choir Vice President Chris Kennedy brought Borger on stage and in the character of one of the Mobster Italian Scallions, told Borger he happily would accept a gift from the choir, or else. Borger was presented with gift certificates to two impressive St. Louis restaurants and a big block of tickets to AMC movie theaters.

The St. Louis Blues Brothers band, made up of several non-choir members as well, contributed significantly to the show's success by providing back-up music to several acts and willingly rehearsed several times with Mike and Nina to perfect their rendition of Proud Mary.

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!"