Operation Sneak Into Steinbach, also known as Skyline, the spring term variety show, attracted throngs to Steinbach the weekend before last. The theatre was packed all three nights, as students resorted to sneaking in and using tickets twice to get a seat at the much-anticipated production. Annie Wilkin ’05 stood tall and elegant, center stage, to begin the night with the opening notes of “Skid Row” from Little Shop of Horrors. A bright red background slowly appeared as she “started up town,” to create a nice silhouette. Wilkin, along with Chris Li ’07, Julian Dames ’05, Angela Tenney ’05, and other members of the ensemble, demonstrated their musical theater abilities to the joy of the audience. As the lights faded out, Renee Amirault ’07 and Akosua Oforiwaa-Ayim ’07 came onstage decked out stylishly in pinstripe pants and tap shoes. Their dance, Sidewalk Rhythm, was delightful, as was everything that featured Amirault that night. The girls smiled and tapped out a refreshing rhythm, evocative of New York. Indeed, Amirault, with Temi Devers ’05 danced the act that won the audience’s heart with “Vuelve la Salsa.” Their unmistakable chemistry and incredible talent awed the audience. Devers’s nimble feet seemed to defy the laws of gravity. The dance program will surely miss Devers, and Gina Crivelli ’05, next year. Their duet, “Sleeping In,” blended gentle choreography, mellow music, and extreme talent to create a beautiful, beautiful performance. The crowd went wild for Hypnotiq, who danced with their typical energy. However, like some of the show’s other dances, their “8 Hustlers Shaking their Thing in a Candy Shop,” was over-sexualized. The show’s Broadway pieces were generally wholesome songs that reminded the audience of the heyday of the 1940s musical. For example, “The King of New York,” an extremely well done number from “Newsies,” spoke of times when anyone written about in the newspaper could be the King of New York. The singers belted from their diaphragms as they danced their way across the stage. The juxtaposition of these musical numbers with some of the modern dances was rather strange. Although Hypnotiq was clearly extremely talented, their booty shaking was a strange and uncomfortable contrast to the musical theatre aspects of the show. “All Grown Up,” another dance, was slightly over-sexualized. As the dance began, two young girls, Hannah Bardo and Haley Scott, danced together on stage. The beginning of this dance was both well choreographed and executed. Dave Toropov ’07 displayed his great singing talent in various solos throughout the show as well as in a solo number, “Santa Fe,” from “Newsies.” His rich baritone filled the theatre as he sang of the opportunities that would meet him if he left New York for Santa Fe. Other solo singers impressed the audience as well. Jeff Cutts ’06, in his signature style, accompanied himself on keyboard to Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind.” The piece was fitting, pretty, and comfortable. Juli Min ’05, clad in a shimmering silver dress, seduced the crowd and the rest of the cast as she sang, in her sultry jazz voice, “Only in New York,” from the musical “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” Both Adam Holt ’05 and Julian Fitzpatrick ’05, Skyline’s directors, should be proud. The show filled up Steinbach three nights in a row for a reason. The cast was incredibly talented, all the acts were well executed, and the audience loved everything. Everyone put in great effort to make the show a success, especially stage manager Lisa Donchak ’06. Skyline was a huge success that people will talk about for months to come.
