Whale of a Show Returns, Forever Young

— by Ayn Gailey, Orcas Issues staff reporter —

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Whale of a Show is a great community tradition, showcasing the children of Orcas Island and their performing arts talent. Spearheaded by Didier Gincig at Orcas Center, this year’s annual event was shared with a full house of parents, grandparents, friends and a supportive community. The two-hour show also highlights the talent and passion of island instructors, who nurture creative expression in our kids. Performing arts instructors Grace McCune, Mary Wachter, Tiffany Loney, Stephanie Moss, Jean Henigson, and Stormy Hildreth were all present to participate or encourage their students.

Some kids even helped choreograph their own dances. Petite Sylvia Johnson danced an original solo piece—choreographed with teacher Jean Henigson—to Gershwin’s “Prelude No. 1” from “The Essential Yo-Yo Ma” that she entitled “The Servant and Master.” The dance was a beautiful lyrical ballet nod to Cinderella and Wizard of Oz.

Many kids appeared on stage multiple times. Karis Comrie appeared in two stand-out performances, with vastly different tones and content. First, she sang a sweet version of “Skyscraper” by Demi Lovato, accompanied by the multi-talented Malia Martinolich skillfully playing guitar. Karis next appeared in an odd but clever and entertaining performance entitled “The Balloon Head Dance”, along with Malia Martinolich and Lily Pritchard, that thrilled the audience with its hints of Theatre of The Absurd and Blue Man Group.

Two of the youngest performers were Cora Pechacek on silks, and Lucia Weaver, practically a stage veteran at age 6, with the adorable new and brave islander, Ava Romero, who sang an a capella version of “How Far I’ll Go.”

Budding dance star Ellie Wright performed a beautiful lyrical dance to music by Yiruma, which most of us in the audience were surprised to discover was actually improvised on stage. Other stand-outs were Fayla Hons & Lamai Hons and Hayes Richardson & Ziah Nash Watson with their violin duets; Eve Eon singing her rendition of “Runaway” by Del Shannon, Ella Weaver singing “How Far I’ll Go” by Lin-Manuel Miranda. And, the showstopper at the end, was from Malia Martinolich, who sang the song “Millions Reasons” with equal amounts passion and professional restraint, moving the audience, making us all proud to be Orcas Islanders, and giving Lady Gaga a run for her money.

Below, please find the full list of all the wonderful performers at this year’s Whale of a Show and the Director’s Notes.

Whale of a Show Acts 2017

Seffa and Solianna Halabisky, Hayse and Cienna Richardson, Grace Zwilling, Sylvia and Myra Johnson: “This Land” by Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings

Angie Riddle and Nootka: Ukulele “Percival’s Canon”

Cienna Richardson : “Lightly Row”

Hayes Richardson and Ziah Nash Watson: “Twinkle Twinkle”

Stephanie Moss Dancers, Tap 2/3 (Madeleine Connell, Chase Connell, Sylvia Johnson, Mira Johnson): “Surfin’ Safari” by The Beach Boys

Fayla Hons and Lamai Hons: Violin Duets

Cora Pechacek: Silks Improvisation

Juliette McKenney and Mary Wachter: “Blue Moon of Kentucky”

Sylvia Johnson: Dancer and choreographer (with teacher, Jean Henigson) Dance Title “The Servant and Master” Music: George Gershwin, “Prelude No. 1” from “The Essential Yo Yo Ma”

Stephanie Moss Dancers Modern 2/3 (Madeleine Connell, Chase Connell, Mira Johnson, Kataya Rain, Skylar Dalusio, Ellie Wright, Ella Weaver, Lucia Weaver): “Clouds” by Zach Sobiech

Sylvia Johnson: Dancer and choreographer: Dance Title “The Bow”, Music-Russian Folk Melody Source – Dimitri Roudnev, Beautiful Class Music

Cora Pechacek: Beatbox Ballet

Karis Comrie: “Skyscraper” by Demi Lovato

Seffa Jane Halabisky: “Bring Me Water” by Sweet Honey in the Rock

Ellie Wright: “Kiss the Rain” improvised choreography: Music: Yiruma

Karis Comrie, Malia Martinolich, Lily Pritchard: Balloon Head Dance

TJ Liblik: “One Thousand Years” by Christina Peri

Solianna and Seffa Halabisky, Lael Watson, Moose Kinsey, Anwyn Thompson, Malia Martinolich, Orion, Chase and Madeleine Connell: “Dance, Dance, Dance” by Justin Timberlake

Ellie Wright and Madeleine Connell: Starfish Dance: “Give Me Love” by Chaze Beats

Madeleine Connell: “Falling Slowly” by Glen Hansard

Evan and Alina Daoust: “Copycat Clowns” and “Bear on a Bike” by Kristen Allred) and solo

Anwyn Thompson: “May” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Benjamin Pollard: “Entertainer” by Scott Joplin

Solianna Halabisky and Malia Martinolich: “Our Beat” by Alessia Cara

Eve Eon: “Runaway” by Del Shannon

Celia Groeninger: “Feeling Good” by Michael Buble

Ava Romero and Lucia Weaver: “How Far I’ll Go” by Lin-Manuel Miranda

Ella Weaver: “How Far I’ll Go” by Lin-Manuel Miranda

Malia Martinolich: “Million Reasons” by Lady Gaga

Director Didier Gincig wrote, “Gratitude and appreciation goes out to Phil Burbo (lights), Robert Austin (sound), Regina Zwilling (stage manager), teachers (dance, instrumental, voice), backstage parent helpers, participants who enthusiastically share their passions, and the Orcas Center for this opportunity to let the children shine on Center Stage. Thanks for being here to support your young friends and neighbors.”

Ayn Gailey is a co-founder of OrcasPact.org and Novel Lab and a board member for the upcoming Orcas Island Literary Festival.