Actually I'm pretty sure Eisenhower's ballad is not a medley. I believe it's the entire version of Not While I'm Around from the show (now on Broadway, cast recording coming soon) as opposed to the abridged versions that various show choirs and Barbra Streisand have sung. It is a beautiful song especially taken out of context of Sweeney Todd. Within the show, the sentiment is quite a bit different but I suppose that can be said of most show tunes performed in show choirs.
I can't wait to hear this now. I JUST saw Sweeney Todd on B-way on Tuesday night, and while this particular new production is more of interest for the experimental nature of the stage direction - it still ranks as one of the greatest musicals out there in my opinion, and this particular song is just plain great.
I don't know if the current cast recording will be all that great though - some of the singing was downright awful, and I do think the score really isn't as strong without the whole orchestra and chorus (this production scaled everything WAY down into a Brecht-ian theater presentation, where the cast actually accompanies themselves on instruments - complete with Patti LuPone dancing around, singing and playing a tuba...) I think it would be better as a DVD or something like that, where you can actually SEE the interesting choices the production team made.
But as of right now, it is by far the most buzzed about show in NYC - so kudos to EEE for picking something so current and unique! Obviously someone really had their finger on the pulse of what's "in"...
Actually I'm pretty sure Eisenhower's ballad is not a medley. I believe it's the entire version of Not While I'm Around from the show (now on Broadway, cast recording coming soon) as opposed to the abridged versions that various show choirs and Barbra Streisand have sung. It is a beautiful song especially taken out of context of Sweeney Todd. Within the show, the sentiment is quite a bit different but I suppose that can be said of most show tunes performed in show choirs.
Whoa Ana....I think you need to be a little more responsible. Posting WAAAAAY after your bedtime. Not setting a good example at all. lol Joking of course. Ummm I think it was Rutherford who videotaped this competition. At least it usually is. They do a good job and are basically right down the street. They usually do have prelim videos too. For a nice change of pace, it is I helping you out.
"I may be reading more into Onalaska's show than I should but did anyone else notice a number of ironic lyrics about this being the "last time." I thought this was cool given that Paul Gulsvig is retiring but Hilltopper Show Choir will continue on (thus "The Circle of Life"). Deep......
Yes, indeed. it shows the great mutual love and respect that the Onalaska students and their director have for each other. (even tho i doubt any Onalaska members noticed the lyrics....they were having too much fun) That is how show choir is supposed to be, building relationships. BTW, Loved everyone's shows!!!!!
#1-spamalot
#2- michael bouble
#3- "Circle of Life"
#4- Clinton close with a big elvis medley
#5- I have enjoyed Troys shows and I am really looking forward to seeing it.
I pulled some of the things that I thought were positive from the post.
#1- I can't wait to see Kennedy.
#2- It's actually Michael Buble. Everyone says and spells it wrong. I used to call him Michael "Bubble".
#3- We did that as our closer in 2004 for two competitions. Milton and UNL. The choreography was so cool, but the vocals never got up to par. So we axed it.
#4- I loved that Clinton show.
#5- I fell in love with Troy in 2003. I wasn't a big fan of the 2004 or 2005 shows, but they still were good. I can't wait to see their show this year.
"TBHS Express:
Oh my goodness...you guys seriously are the Clinton of Missouri! Every year you guys get better and better and I can't wait to see your show again. Your overall package was awesome, costumes especially! Keep working hard"
This is a funny comment to me because throughout all the Elvis songs I just kept thinking how blatantly copied the end of the show was right down to the set pieces. Even though in this situation they read "VEGAS" and in Attache's show they read "ELVIS" but let's face it, the similarities are too obvious to ignore. The only thing that made it remotely organic was that Clinton did not include Viva Las Vegas. And on a totally different topic, did anyone else notice the rustling noise that fed through the mikes during Troy's show? I never thought I would say this but the closer dresses made actual, audible sound.
Moving on, would the female soloist (or anyone else from Crete) tell us what show the song was from? I've heard it before and LOVE it but cannot place the show. Kyla (sorry to butcher the name) was incredible.
I may be reading more into Onalaska's show than I should but did anyone else notice a number of ironic lyrics about this being the "last time." I thought this was cool given that Paul Gulsvig is retiring but Hilltopper Show Choir will continue on (thus "The Circle of Life"). Deep......
TBHS Express:
Oh my goodness...you guys seriously are the Clinton of Missouri! Every year you guys get better and better and I can't wait to see your show again. Your overall package was awesome, costumes especially! Keep working hard
QUOTE(MrGQ212 @ Jan 23 2006, 11:20 PM) 364843
Troy: Let's Groove made me want to stand up and twerk. And I dug the costuming for that song as well. The girls closer costumes were also amazing, and the big VEGAS was definitely a nice effect. I enjoyed the show and can't wait to see you guys again.
YEAH!!!! I SOOOOOO LOVE TROY -- they are the nicest people and always put on a FANTASTIC show!!! I haven't seen their show yet this year but will in two weeks at the TROY competition!! So they are obviously doing "Let's Groove" (awesome!) what else -- does anyone remember? What is this about the big VEGAS? Sounds like have some sweet costumes too ---- IM SO EXCITED!!!!!!
Thanks to everyone for the compliments. I can certainly tell you that Happiness had an amazing time at Mt. Zion. It was nice getting such a warm welcome from the parents, and hosts at Mt. Zion. Props for that ;-p.
Also, congratulations to all the groups that performed. Although I wasn't able to watch as many groups as I had hoped, the groups that I did watch blew me away.
Crete Monee Faces: I had never seen your group before, but had heard great things about you and you absolutely amazed me. I was like the entire time. Your dancing, singing, energy, everything was AMAZING! And, I don't know who she is, but there is one girl that frequently caught my eye, and I think she may have gotten best female soloist? Whoever she was, props to her. Awesome job.
Onalaska: Excellent job you guys, and congrats on the 1RU and Best Vocals. Well deserved. Your opening costumes looked great on stage and you guys had a good show as usual. Keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing your show again at Big Dance.
Troy: Let's Groove made me want to stand up and twerk. And I dug the costuming for that song as well. The girls closer costumes were also amazing, and the big VEGAS was definitely a nice effect. I enjoyed the show and can't wait to see you guys again.
Eisenhower: Oh EEE. What can I say? Absolutely amazing. The guys number was incredible. Rarely have I ever seen every single guy in the group engaged in the choreography and performing, dancing, and singing the crap out of the song. I was floored. And then, your girls came in, did the same thing, and elevated the song to another level. And your closer...awesome. While I haven't seen many groups live this year, you guys are definitely one of the best, if not the best, that I have seen. Nashville will be amazingly fun. Oh, and, thanks for jumping and shaking your booty. Same with Troy. ;)
All in all, I had an awesome time. The random compliments that I received while roaming the halls of Mt. Zion were more valuable to me than any judges opinion. Granted, what the judges say is important, but, entertaining is the reason why we do show choir, and having the entertainment value of your show validated by strangers and friends is an awesome feeling.
Wow, what a great competition it was this weekend! I told myself I'd actually sit down and watch most of the groups this year...and I did! It was a fantastic beginning to the show choir season...
Crete-Monee Faces:
Wow! I was thoroughly impressed with the attitude you girls brought to the table. I didn't get to see your pre-lim performance, but your vocals and diction were phenomenal. You girls rock. YAY Jamie, Stef, and Claire and the rest of you!
Sullivan:
I LOVED this show. During the past few years I haven't been too thrilled with the show structure and performance, but I honestly can't wait to see the Singers again if I ever get the chance. Your ballad brought me to tears during pre-lims, as well as finals. You guys stepped up your game in finals and it showed. Great vocals and costumes. Loved the Mary Poppins medley...I wonder how long it took ya'll to learn that?! It was lovely! David Moellenkamp is a super director!
TBHS Express:
Oh my goodness...you guys seriously are the Clinton of Missouri! Every year you guys get better and better and I can't wait to see your show again. Your overall package was awesome, costumes especially! Keep working hard
Cedar Rapids Happiness, Inc.:
I never really see much of any Iowa groups, and I will say your show was the most fun to watch of the day with the Spamelot medley...so funny! Adam Fieldsen-you have an amazing voice...keep up the good work, and your fall during pre-lim awards on stage didn't seem to hold you back I've noticed that show structure of Iowa groups and Illinois groups is very different, but it's always nice to see variety on stage. Keep it up...and great cheering section you guys had!
Onalaska:
Way to step it up in finals with the vocals. You guys definitely deserved the Best Vocals award by far I was not too impressed with the lack of energy and facials along with the choreography this year, but you guys have a great director and there is always room for improvement. Loved the color combination in the costumes! Good luck @ future competitions!
Eisenhower Elite Energy:
Of course my favorite group always...totally biased, but I love your drive to kick butt on stage. Choreography was and always is fantastic. Scott Hines is one of my favorite directors. I love his attitude and the way he believes in you guys. Costumes are always great and I love the song selection this year. The guys number is a real high light of the show! I can't wait to see you guys again! You deserved GC
Swings:
Awesome show, awesome song selection, costumes, soloists, EVERYTHING. I know you guys were tired because it was a long day, but I know you'll step up your game at competitions You have great leadership behind you! Props to a well-run competition...
yey for all the groups! I jump-seated in from iowa just to see this comp! And it was great! i thought everyone did FANTABULOUS! i loved CR Kennedy's show!! and I loved Eisenhower and Mt.Zion too!! i loved them all!
Mt. Zion Midwest Invitational 2006
lol Joking of course. Ummm I think it was Rutherford who videotaped this competition. At least it usually is. They do a good job and are basically right down the street. They usually do have prelim videos too. For a nice change of pace, it is I helping you out. 
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I've noticed that show structure of Iowa groups and Illinois groups is very different, but it's always nice to see variety on stage. Keep it up...and great cheering section you guys had! 