Rumbling and bustling filled Cantwell Auditorium on the 13th of February as musicians prepared their instruments, singers warmed up, actors got ready, and dancers traced their steps. Meanwhile, teachers and parents circled the potluck table full of chicken wings, deserts, and other appetizing, New Orleans inspired foods. Cantwell had turned into a Mari Gras festival, and so began the groovy performances of the Jazz Café!
Orchestra performed many traditional Mardi Gras songs that invited the audience to spring to their feet and dance. Hearing songs such as “Big Chief” and “Second Line” everyone was able to get a taste of the electric and traditional Mardi Gras music. Rachel Mills from the class of 2016, an orchestra performer says, “The Jazz Café was a fun night of rhythm, dance, [and] music with an upbeat atmosphere, plus food… It was great to see how much amazing talent there is at Marymount and come together to celebrate the Mardi Gras spirit.”
The actors of Marymount high school provided comic relief with their various acts. The students performed an improvisation about crazy sacrifices society makes for the season of Lent such as bacon or relationships. The crowd burst into laughter as the actors portrayed exaggerated scenarios of giving up something as crazy as eating. Paula Sison also performed a monologue of a Russian bird watcher in New Orleans to which the audience responded with raucous laughter until their full stomachs started hurting.
The Marymount singers sang emotional tunes that moved the audience. They started off with “Jar of Hearts” by Christina Perri and all of a sudden moved to a mix of “I Will Survive” and “Survivor.” The fire they brought on stage amazed the crowd with duets, solos, and a cup rhythm song mimicking the performance of “Cups” (When I’m Gone) by Anna Kendrick from the movie, Pitch Perfect.
The dancers brought grace to the stage with their jazzy moves, decked out in colorful outfits inspired by the Mardi Gras festival in New Orleans. Our dancers performed beautifully and confidently as they told us a story with their choreography. The dancers themselves choreographed a traditional African American dance, bringing forward a true sense of the African American culture into the Mardi Gras celebration.
The evening successfully celebrated Mardi Gras through the performing arts. The audience experienced Mardi Gras music, dancing, singing, performing and dining in this talent filled show.
Kim B. • Feb 25, 2013 at 2:55 pm
It was a fabulous show. Thanks to Amy and all the performers, crew and teachers who made the night happen!