What were those hilarious high schoolers up to when they hit the stage 10 years ago?
Turns out, the skits in the inaugural J. L. Crowe Variety Show would still give a chuckle today, admittedly with the older generation. That year, it was all about Seinfeld.
“The variety show is always something we all look forward to with great anticipation,” Crowe drama teacher Tanya LaFond told the Trail Times. “It is always so great to see the diverse talents of the student body, particularly those we would not typically see on stage.”
As a new set of teenage performers ready to take centre stage on Thursday (Feb. 16) for the 10th annual talent showcase, the Trail Times looked back at where it all began in 2008.
The highlight was a mini-episode of arguably the greatest comedy program ever to air. Justin Bedin played the quirky comic, Jerry Seinfeld; Jeremy deWit was George Costanza; Megan McKinnon, Elaine; and Mitch Marino the doorman who asks Jerry to watch over an apartment for a few minutes.
When the doorman didn’t return, Jerry left and someone steals the couch.
The skit also featured Kramer ( teacher Jason Whitley) who noticed Frank Costanza (Jesse Bath) had such large breasts for a man that he helps him into a “manssiere,” much to the horror of Frank’s wife Estelle, played by LaFond.
The audience must have roared.
Notably, Whitley and LaFond are still co-hosting the popular affair, alongside the show’s instigator, math teacher Terry Jones.
While the performers are keeping mum on their acts this year, LaFond did give a little glimpse into what the audience can expect once the show begins at 7 p.m.
The night will open with a video by Mr. Whitley and student actors. LaFond didn’t give much away, but spectators might be witness to William Hung-type auditions (William Hung infamously squawked out “She Bangs” in the third season of American Idol).
Dancers from Steps Dance Studio and Kootenay Dance Works will wow with their routines, the Crowe jazz band will play a smooth number and vocalists will belt out some tunes - including a group that is new to giving their vocal chords a workout.
“There is going to be a hockey choir this year from one of our hockey academies,” LaFond revealed.
As showtime nears, the drama teacher reflected on how the last 10 years of performances has connected teacher and student as well as graduates to the current student body.
“We often see former J. L. Crowe Variety Show participants in the audience cheering them on, ” she added.
Tickets are available now at the Charles Bailey box office or online at the arts council website, trail-arts.com.