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Pictured is the 2008 Student
Committee and MC’s
who are working hard for
Talent Show 2008 - “Pardon our Dust.”
Before the Dust
Settles, Please Pardon Us…
The 2008 APT Talent Show is now a treasured memory for us, and we must
take a moment to thank all those who worked so hard to make it a success.
For weeks -- even months -- a dedicated group of faculty, staff, parents
and students committed their time to one of Lake Forest High School’s
most cherished traditions. Both on stage and behind the scenes, these
were the people who made it happen.
First we must thank the Technical Directors Brad Balonick & Dave
Miller and their crew, the LFHS tech students. Lead by Student Technical
Directors Doug Logan and Derek Morris, they worked tirelessly and endlessly
on the set, lighting and sound – all the magic that turns a group
of wonderful acts into a real show. A special mention goes to Alex Moody,
designer of the great “under construction” set, and Video
Director Sophie Demas, who labored in near seclusion managing the videos
and filming. Everyone worked hard on “Pardon Our Dust,” but
it is fair to say the Tech Crew worked endlessly – thank you, “techies!”
Our delightful MCs, Briana Bagnoli, Kate Pabich, Rachel Sachnoff, and
Sarah Wagener showed us all that girls not only want to have fun – girls
know how to be funny! And, they knew how to find one funny and creative
guy – Hunter Ries, who worked with them on the MC videos. History
was made here, ladies – congratulations, and thank you!
Now we must thank our dedicated and talented Student Committee. Matt
Svec and Trevor Wellington, our Student Producers, kept the process moving
against many odds. Kate Pabich and Connor Reaumond, our Student Directors,
took the show in hand and made it better every day. Our Communications
Director Sarah Wagener never met an assignment she didn’t welcome
calmly, completing it before we even finished asking. Student Senior
Act Coordinators Kiki Burke and Haley Plonsker, assisted by Senior Poms
choreographers Maggie Troller, Corey Sharman, Kylie Barrie, Samantha
Cox, Maggie Burns, and Lauren Murawski, brought their years of dance
expertise to the Senior Act, resulting in the delightful “show
within a show” of over 100 senior students. And, Kelly Christensen’s “Pardon
Our Dust” logo perfectly captured our construction theme.
Our Pit Band, lead by Musical Directors Matt Kalish and Andy Quinn, was
a terrific group of superb musicians whose talent made act changes as
anticipated as the acts themselves. But, of course, there would be no
show without the gifted students who graced our stage with their incredible
performances. Their commitment was inspiring, and it was a joy to see
how it paid off. We thank each and every one of them for their creativity,
talent and hard work – you are
all amazing!
There were too many parent volunteers to mention, but these ladies worked
tirelessly on chairing their committees: Senior Act Coordinator Kimberly
Nicastro, assisted by Gail Moesta; Ticket Coordinators Dawn Reed and
Lisa Troller; Program Coordinators Leeni Ellis and Diane Quon; T-Shirts
and Kudos Coordinator Daria Andrews; Costumes Coordinators Lisa Dietrich,
Kathy Petray and Karin Springer; Usher Coordinator Kim Bagnoli; Cast
and Crew Food Coordinator Andra O’Neill; and Concessions Coordinator,
Donna LaVitola. Thank you!
The Talent Show could not happen without the support of the “unsung” heroes.
A special thanks goes to Jim Thiel, for keeping channels of communication
open between the Talent Show committee and the Administration; Scott
Krajniak and his crew of parking attendants, who weathered the cold and
groaning patrons looking for parking; Harold Hall and his maintenance
crew, who cleaned up behind us so late at night. Thanks to Monica Wertz
and Joy Murawski
for helping us with endless communications, and, of course, Jay Hoffmann,
who lets us “put
on a show.”
We must mention that professional photographer Gunnar Soderlind donated
all his “upfront” time for the wonderful photos used in the
program. These pictures, and many more, are for sale on Gunnar’s
website www.gunnarphoto.com. A LFHS Talent Show Page has been set up:
click on “View your pictures” and enter the password “PICS.”
And so we pass the “Talent Show” baton – to
Luann Blowers, Assistant Producer, and Clare Wheatley, Assistant Director.
What could we have done without you both? The 2008 show has already benefited
from your creativity and knowledge – we can’t wait to see
the 2009 production. Thank you so much for everything. And, you will
be ably assisted by the 2009 Student Committee; Luci Lambert, Megan Pratt,
Hunter Ries, Carter Petray and Danielle Springer – best of luck!
It truly was an experience of a lifetime – thanks to you all…
Kathy Casper, Producer
Louise Ries, Director
