‘Big apple’ talents
Honor students proved Thursday night they know about more than just books.
Around 800 students, faculty and staff attended the sixth annual Honors Talent Show, a traditional program where at least one Honors student took part in a variety of 16 acts.
“I was really impressed with the attendance,” said Judy Idema, the associate director of the Honors Program. “For awhile people were even standing in the back because there were no were places to sit.”
A variety of acts in the show at Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium reflected the theme, “The Streets of New York,” including three numbers taken from the popular Broadway musical “Rent.”
Nine students won top honors with their rendition of “Seasons of Love.”
Grand Rapids freshman DeMarcus Brooks, Horton junior Ashley Coleman, Detroit freshman Lance Franklin, Flint junior Peter Gallinat, Farmington Hills senior Rachel A. Miller, Jenison senior Fred Quillin, Charlotte junior Tamra Ross, Waterford senior Kevin Smith and Charlotte junior Ashley Wood came together for the winning performance.
Brooks’ solo was a crowd pleaser.
“I’m happy because I hit the note and they clapped,” he said. “Then I cracked, but the applause covered it up. It made me feel really good.”
Berkley senior Andy Hatzos placed second for his rendition of “Cheyenne Anthem” from the musical “Kansas.” First-time performer Nick Tackett, Illinois junior, placed third for his original song “Make You See.”
Idema couldn’t say enough about the Honors students’ loyalty and professionalism.
“Honors students are supportive, not competitive,” she said. “Everyone’s a family.”
Contestants were judged on a secret panel system where selected audience members chose their top three acts. The audience then decided the winner through a student “applause-o-meter.”
Audience members received gift certificates from Celebration Cinema, 4935 E. Pickard Road, and the Central Michigan University Bookstore throughout the show.
“The acts were great, which made it easier to be on stage,” said Plymouth senior Dan Nikolits, the show’s co-emcee. “There’s always the chance the audience will kill you.”
Nikolits gave the crowd some comic relief when he dressed up in a princess costume and sang “I Feel Pretty” from the Broadway hit “West Side Story.”
Lake Ann junior Josh Mills said he enjoyed the show’s acoustic and piano acts.
“It was better than I expected,” he said. “I’ve been to it before; this was different.”
