Rhapsodies is a Delight at Pope John Paul II High School

So much is always made by naysayers about cutting arts programs in schools. They say that more time should be spent on the “real” subjects. I truly believe that if these people went to last night to see The Rhapsody Show Choir perform HEAR OUR SONG, they would quickly change their “tune.” As I was paging through the program, I saw two students’ names that I taught in fifth grade. They’re seniors in high school now!

Directed and choreographed by Marusia Griffin Lynn with musical direction by Eleanor Griffin, the show is elaborate with four costume and set changes. It begins with Katy Perry’s popular Firework, which is a fantasic opening with the entire company silhouetted in lights.

We then move to a sampling of music from each decade, from the 1900s to today, with each decade being introduced by a different student. A highlight for me is the gorgeous Moonlight Serenade, featuring Lindsay Miller. I give huge kudos to Georgie Nave for thinking on his feet during technical issues. Instead of giving that deer-in-the-headlights look, Nave played up the audience with his Elvis impersonation. I can’t help being partial to the beautiful Can’t Help Falling in Love with You, since that was my wedding song. It features Miller, Rohan Basatakur, Jeff Chernesky, and a superb dancing duet.

The 1960s depicts the usual “hippie” songs, with a lovely duet of Both Sides Now, by Angela and Lenny Martelli. Brad Dalton rocks his inner Bee Gees during the 1970s Stayin’ Alive. If you close your eyes during the 1980s, I really don’t think you’d be able to tell the difference between Journey’s Steve Perry and Lenny Martelli in Faithfully.

Never have I felt so old than in the 1990s set. I’ll Be There for You and My Heart Will Go On made me think about how old these performers were when Friends and Titanic were popular.  Wow! When we reach today, we obviously can’t do it without Justin Bieber. Yes, the real Elvis shared a set with today’s Elvis.

The Rhapsodies have been singing and dancing the entire time, so I can’t imagine they are not exhausted.  But there’s so much more! The 10th anniversary of September 11 is remembered with an extremely moving patriotic set. Images of that horrible day are shown as I Will Never Leave You and Hallelujah are sung. It was beyond beautiful and left many in the audience with shiny eyes. God Bless America drew a standing ovation before intermission.

Act II opens with Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’, featuring alumni as well as performers. For such a new school to have alumni who are willing to come back to sing says so much about this outstanding music program. A toe-tapping Hairspray medley gets the audience clapping.

If you think it’s too early for Christmas, the last set of the show will change your mind. Obviously modeled on the last scene of White Christmas (which is the last song of the show), this set features some familiar and not so familiar holiday songs. The set is just beautiful with lit wreaths, trees, and falling snow.

Music thrives at Pope John Paul II High School. The night was filled with beautiful music, funny unscripted moments, and even some teary eyes. So get out there and support the arts!

HEAR OUR SONG continues Saturday, Nov. 19 at 7:00 PM and Sunday, Nov. 20 at 5:00 PM. Doors open one hour before showtime for hors d’eorves. For ticket information, visit the school’s website at http://www.pjphs.org/.