— by Lin McNulty —
Orcas Center lit up on Saturday night in an inspiring display of talent by local island kids during the annual Whale of a Show, which showcases kids ages 5 – 18, as well as family acts.
“I enjoyed so much how the children poured their hearts and souls into their artistic expressions on stage,” reflected event organizer Didier Gincig. “It was fun!”
“The audience seemed to enjoy the confidence and courage of the children ranging from preschool through high school, including family acts, whether it be a four year old doing spontaneous moves above the stage with silks, dancing with grace and creativity, playing their musical instrument with earnestness and joy, singing with voices that express the poignancy of the songs they chose to sing.
“I am so thankful that Orcas Center produces Whale of a Show to give so many children the opportunity to either cope with fear and strong feelings or learn to skip the fear and express themselves with sincerity. I love everything about working/playing with children and adults involved in creating a Whale of a Show.”
“Hope to see you next year,” added Gincig. “You have a year to practice,” adding “Thanks again to each and every person who performed or helped with the show. I have so much appreciation and happiness.”
Performances by
- Homeschoolers’ Jig: Solianna and Seffa Halabisky, Cienna and Hayes Richardson, Grace Zwilling, Calico Quies, Phoebe Davis
- Angelina Riddle & Nootka Townsend playing Pachelbel’s “Purcell’s Canon”
- TJ Liblik singing “Piece by Piece” by Kelly Clarkson
- Laine and Corah Pechacek performing with silks to Demi Lovato’s “Confident”
- Karis Comrie and Meriel Griffith singing “When I’m Gone” by Brooks & Dunn and “Amazing Grace”
- Rhema Miller and Karis Comrie performing “I Love My Lips” From Veggie Tales
- Zade Pechacek performing a contact staff dance possibly with dad
- Green Onions Dance: Moose Kinsey, Solianna Halabisky, Lael Watson, Malia Martinolich
- Eve Eon and Lael Watson playing “Sillouettes” on uke
- Satine Tyree singing, “All of Me” by John Legend
- Moose Kinsey and Soli Halabisky: Hand Jive
- Jacob Wright as Comic Cop
- Eve Eon singing, “House of the Rising Sun” made famous by the Animals
- Ella Weaver singing “Fame” by Michael Gore from the Film “Fame”
- Celia Groeninger singing “Miss Celie’s Blues“ by Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie, Rod Temptress
- Celia Groeninger and Ella Weaver singing “Blue Moon“ by Richard Rogers
- Ellie Wright dancing ballet of her own composition to Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring”
- Malia Martinolich singing, “I Need You” by The Chainsmokers and “Fix You” by Cold Play
- Moose Kinsey singing “Hound Dog”
- Soli Halabisky and Tiffany Loney dancing together
- (Song from Cierra Lutz
- Tashi and Kaj Litch performing two traditional tunes
Kudos to Didier—producer, director, and MC par excellent—for pouring his own heart and soul into organizing Whale of a Show year after year for the children and families of our community.
Thank you Didier!