Looking Back on the Sept. 9, 2023, 75th Anniversary Show of the Alexandria Chapter
The show was a perfect culmination of the yearlong anniversary celebration by the chapter; but by all accounts, it was likely one of the best shows the chapter has ever produced during the 75 years.
The theme, “This is Why We Sing,” helped convey the story about the great moments in Harmonizer history, the strong history of those members who went before, and the excitement and pride of moving forward for another 75 years. The theme was used by the many members who were asked to introduce a song or feature on the show – each of them spoke briefly about “why I sing.” It was a warm and special part of the show evening.
David Wilt, keystone donor for the chapter’s 75th anniversary, shared his thoughts about the show to YeEd – “it was so professional and sophisticated. The “Defying Gravity” number could have been on Broadway. The transition to each song or feature was awesome. The whole evening was a heart-warming experience for the audience and especially for former members.”
As the audience assembled (rushing in out of a heavy summer rain storm), they were greeted by decorations and friendly faces of volunteers who helped with tickets, and passing out printed programs. A display of Harmonizer history items was also in the lobby area.
The Schlesinger Hall was full for the 7 pm show! Long-time members were there, barbershop friends and fans of the chapter were there from far and near, new patrons were there, guests who paid for VIP seats and a special welcome chance to hear the guest quartets were there, former officers and coaches and judges were there, arrangers of Harmonizer songs were there, family members were there, and members of a future generation of the Harmonizer family were there.
Show attendees were seated in unreserved seats in the auditorium beginning at 6:30 pm. Tickets were $20 for youth, $40 for general admission, and $150 for VIP. Soon after the doors opened, the audience was treated to a fantastic video production of the chapter musical performances from the past. It wrapped up right at 7 pm which is when the Harmonizers finished taking the stage in a casual entrance plan and grabbed the audience’s attention with “I’m the Music Man.”
Randall Eliason welcomed the audience, explained the theme and shared “why I sing” to set the stage for the show. He shared that the many changes in the chapter suggests ‘somethings coming’ all the time – a perfect segue into “Something’s Comin” with a great choreo plan by David McEachern.
Will Cox spoke about his 45 years in the chapter and why he sings and his recall of the chapter singing “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning” to win a gold medal. The chorus sang the song for the show.
Joe Cerutti spoke about his 17 years as artistic director and recognized former artistic director Geri Geis, who was in the audience, for her work in the past for songs like “Wee Small Hours.” Joe went on to share the chapter’s vision and dreams about changing the core values of the chapter to allow more people to sing. He explained the addition of the Metro Voices ensemble as one step toward a future chapter that will include a seasonal youth chorus (Capital Force to be launched on Sunday, Oct. 8) and a senior daytime chorus (likely to be launched in 2024). The 19 members of Metro Voices were on stage when Joe finished and they sang two songs – “On the Wayside” and “I See the Light.” Their new director, Samantha Tramack, directed the first song; and interim director, Tessa Walker, who help launch Metro Voices, directed the second song.
Samantha stepped off the risers to tell why she sings, and to introduce the first guest quartet for the show – the 2007 Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) International Quartet Champions – MAX Q. The quartet stepped forward of the curtain and did a great set of their songs. They paid tribute to the chapter as part of their remarks and lead singer, Tony DeRosa, recalled being on a past Harmonizer show with KEEPSAKE quartet when the electricity went out but the show continued without spot lights or sound amplification. Tony was also proud to have his son Joe singing tenor for the quartet to fill in for Greg Clancy. Gary Lewis was baritone and Jeff Oxley was bass.
The curtains opened again and the Harmonizers performed their always-popular rendition of “New York, New York.” Long-time Harmo fans applauded as the song began, and as usual, the front row kick-line brought the audience members to their feet. The extra work by the front row for this show yielded some great entertainment for the audience. Bruce Roehm is front row captain. Congrats to new front row guys, Chad Ross and Matt Ambler (although Matt broke his ankle in a recent rehearsal and did not do the major choreo numbers for the show). The front row wore their bright orange sox to match the chorus orange ties!
Assistant director of Metro Voices, Maggie McAlexander, spoke about why she sings, and then welcomed Virginia State Delegate Elizabeth Bennett Parker, who presented a Commending Resolution from the state legislature. Joe Cerutti and chapter president, Noah Van Gilder, accepted the certificate.
During the presentation, the two ensembles combined on the risers, and Sheryl Berlin spoke about her over 30-year career as a music educator and about her many years as director of education for the chapter. She shared the feelings that most of the chapter members have – that the theme song for the show - “Why We Sing” by Greg Gilpin and arranged by David Wright - tells the honest story about why we all sing!
After the 15-minute intermission, the Harmonizers were first up to sing the haunting and emotional rendition of a number titled “San Francisco” from the musical the chorus sang with Kristen Chenoweth at Strathmore titled “I Am Harvey Milk.” Terry Reynolds, a 31-year member, introduced the song and shared the meaning of the song and how it had impacted the chapter. The chorus was accompanied by Zak Sandler. The audience reaction was halting – a long silence before generous applause.
President Noah spoke of his singing experiences and introduced a new song the chapter had commissioned for the 75thanniversary in memory of Sandy Stamps, a long-time chapter supporter and volunteer. It was written by Rasmus Krigstrom based on a poem, “Calling Dreams” by Georgia Douglas Johnson (1880-1966). Director Joe saluted Rasmus who stepped out from back stage to be recognized.
Kevin Mendez was the next member to speak about why he sings – as a really new chapter member but long-time barbershop singer. He introduced Metro Voices to sing “Don’t Mean a Thing” and “Fight Song.” Sophie Clark sang the solo for “Fight Song.”
Tessa Walker welcomed to the stage the 2012 BHS gold medalists, RINGMASTERS, from Stockholm. Sweden. Rasmus was the lead. Jakob Stenberg was tenor. Emanuel Roll was baritone. Didier Linder was bass. After their highly energetic set, the quartet sang the introduction for “Impossible Dream” and when the curtains opened, the Harmonizers sang the rest of the song with them.
The Harmonizers continued to entertain with their exciting performance of “Sit Down You’re Rockin the Boat” with a major choreography package designed by Cy Wood. The front row was on display for the whole song and added a “water effect” while the chorus was a rocking boat at sea. Lance Fisher was soloist in this number.
Tony Colosimo spoke about his life-long singing experience and introduced the finale with both the Harmonizers and Metro Voices on the risers to sing “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked,” arranged by Steve Tramack. Tony andSamantha sang a wonderful duet to wrap up this number to close the show.
After the audience applause died down, the chorus sang on the guest quartets for a final tag of “Why We Sing.
Top leadership for the show starts with Joe Sr. and Janet Cerutti who signed on months ago to produce the event in cooperation with chapter shows director, Doug White. (Joe and Janet helped decorate the stage with some family friends too.) Chapter executive director, Randall Eliason; chapter general manager, Susan Fitzpatrick; and artistic director, Joe Cerutti get credit for pulling all the parts together for great night of harmony. Leadership from the music team, especially Terry Reynolds and the section leaders of both ensembles, and all members of the operation team were also key to the success. Certainly, the hard work and extra effort by all the chorus singers to prepare the music and choreography must be mentioned too.
The chorus singers arrived on Saturday morning for warm up and review of the songs on the risers on the stage so that there could be sound checks, lighting checks and who-goes-where-when could be worked out. Both ensembles worked on their songs – associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm up session for the Harmonizers and director Samantha Tramack did the warm up session for Metro Voices. Stage manager for the show was Greg Tepe. Operations team members helped Gary Cregan set the risers up on Thursday. Mike Kelly managed the tech crew with help from Dennis Ritchey and Gary. The tech crew at Schlesinger also helped. Gary coordinated the blue suit pants and vests uniform for the Harmonizers too. Metro Voices wore black outfits with several members wearing a rust accent. Randall Eliason organized backstage snacks for the performers and Doug White brought bottled waters for all.
Robyn Murane coordinated a large crew of volunteers from the ranks of the chapter family for ticket sale counter operation, welcoming patrons, passing out programs, and helping guests with special needs. That crew included Dave Kohls. Craig Kujawa, Alex Chen. Walt Page, Kitty Fedarko, Dixie Kennett, Chris Buechler, Isabella Salmi, Sylvia Kelty, and Jonah Philipp. Deanna Thompson, Don’s daughter, helped all day supporting the VIP guest program.
Brian Wolf was show photographer coordinated by chapter communications director Steve Murane. All sorts of promotion efforts were used to invite patrons and friends to the show – mostly the chapter members, plus social media and outlets in the barbershop world such as at the International and District conventions. The chapter also used direct mail to reach former members.
There was a display of Harmo history in the lobby prepared by historian emeritus, Martin Banks, and set up by current historian, Don Harrington. Mark Klostermeyer added two beautiful chapter photos to the display that will go to the Harmo House after the show. A printed program was produced for this show with ad sales coordinated by Frank Fedarko and Adam Afifi (thanks to the many members who sold ads), Publishing was coordinated by Susan Fitzpatrick.
There was a fun afterglow following the show at a new venue – The Garden on Eisenhower Avenue, not too far from the show venue. Ken Rub was in charge of it and was helped by Will Whittaker, Susan Fitzpatrick, Randall Eliason and Carl Kauffmann to operate the bar. Food was good (catered by Donna O’Brien) and a solid line up of quartets sang for the nearly 200 guests. Assistant director of Metro Voices, Maggie McAlexander, was emcee for the program that included THE GREG CLANCY MEMORIAL QUARTET with Maggie, Tessa Walker, Sophie Clarke and Samantha Tramack; ILLUMINOCHES with Devin Gerzof, Lance Fisher, Josh Myers and David Breen (they won the most recent chapter Put Together Quartet Contest); BETTER TOGETHER with Elizabeth Colosimo, Heather Havens, Tony Colosimo and Andrew Havens; SWEET AND SOUR with Christina, Samantha, Mert and Joshua Tramack; MAX Q and RINGMASTERS. The two guest quartets sang one song together at the afterglow. The singing went on until the party ended at 1:15 am and then the tag singing continued in the parking lot!
On Sunday afternoon, there was a “Geno’s Reunion” tag singing event hosted by David Wilt at the Osteria de Nino restaurant in Shirlington. A dozen tag-singing enthusiasts were there for the fun. Stay tuned for future reunions (Geno’s was a popular spot in Old Town where the chapter used to have its afterglows and the tag singing was the main event for years).
Until next time – editorjack!
(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record for the great things going on each week during the 75th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)
The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.
