By: Abby Lott ‘25
On Saturday, October 5, the Arts Department showcased Wyoming Seminary’s vast performance opportunities. The showcase took place in the Kirby Center for Creative Arts and was open to all students, faculty, and family who wished to attend.
The Drama Department opened the showcase with a preview of their upcoming performance of Once Upon A Mattress. With the performance running from November 8 through 10, George Malloy ‘28 and Laura Olsen ‘27 had only been working on the show for a few weeks, but nonetheless performed a scene along with their duet “In a Little While.”
Following the Drama Department’s wonderful performance, the Wyoming Seminary Dance Company performed their beloved number, “Uptown Girl” to the tune by Billy Joel. The number featured company members between the graduating classes of ‘25 and ‘29, including Reece Fisher ‘25 who describes her experience performing as “Joyful!” Further saying that the Arts Showcase is “always a pleasure to perform in. It is so lovely to showcase our hard work within the company to our family and friends before performance season begins.” Contrasting the upbeat number, Senior, and Arts Department representative, Abby Lott ‘25, performed a Lyrical solo, titled “Lullaby,” to the song by Billy Joel. This heart-warming number was created as a tribute to motherhood and the connection between mother and child.
Within the Music Department, the Jazz Ensemble performed a tune called “Now’s The Time” by jazz legend, Charlie Parker, consisting of improvisation opportunities for the musicians. Senior, and Arts Department representative, Tommy Majkowski ‘25 performed a solo in the piece, along with other ensemble members. In addition, the string ensemble performed a work titled “The Lovers’ Waltz,” originally written by Jay Unger and Molly Mason. The composition performed by the ensemble was arranged by Andrew Dabczynski to include strings and harp in the lush melody. Concluding the performance, the Wyoming Seminary Chorale presented two selections of praise and celebration. The first was an adaptation of Mozart’s festive “Alleluia, to Thee We Sing!” and the second was a French setting of the text “Chantez Alleluia!” by Dave and Jean Perry.
When asked about the importance of the showcase, Jason Sherry, Fine and Performing Arts Department Chair, said, “It’s always fun to put together because for some of our ensembles, it’s the first time they get a chance to perform in public. It’s also usually the only time that all of our programs get to perform together, which is so special!”
Emphasizing the excitement in the collaboration between ensembles and programs in the department, this weekend was truly a special experience for all who performed and attended. Lots of hard work goes into preparing performances, so it is always nice to see a preview of what the year is going to look like in the department as Wyoming Seminary community members.