Story
by Linda East Brady
, Standard-Examiner staff
- Jun 20 2012 - 12:53am
The belters are onboard -- 15 finalists have been chosen for Show Layton Your Talent IV: Broadway Edition at the Kenley Centennial Amphitheater on Friday, June 22.
The annual talent show opens this year's Davis Arts Council Summer Nights With the Stars series.
In past years, the talent has featured everything from dance to song to comedy. This year, the focus of the show is on the music of Broadway.
And yes, there are a few Broadway babies in the pack, as well as more seasoned performers.
We caught up with the competition by email and phone calls to see just what it is they are bringing out to win the night, and why.
* * *
Aimee Geddes (Layton)
Song and musical: "I Cain't Say No" from "Oklahoma!"
Why this song?: "This was actually one of the very first songs I learned for a performance when I was just a kid. I was 12 years old and I auditioned for a dinner theater that my singing group was doing. That was the first time I heard this song and I thought it was so funny. I had put it away for MANY years, but then decided it was the perfect song for this show. I know it is an old classic, but I think that the wit and humor in it are what has made it last. 'Oklahoma' is such a popular show, so I know that most people have probably heard this song. I am looking forward to bringing a fresh take on 'I Cain't Say No' to the performance. Hopefully, the audience won't be able to say no to me, either."
What would you do with your winnings?: "My husband and I have been working really hard on paying off our house. So, over the last few years, I have really been trying to use my singing and acting talents to help us make extra money for that purpose.
* * *
Catherine Carlson (West Point)
Song and musical: "A Wonderful Guy" from "South Pacific"
Why this song?: "I've never performed this particular role but it is a musical that I have always loved. Every song is beautiful and catchy. I chose this piece because no matter how nervous I am, it will be fun to perform. It's upbeat and high-energy and you just can't listen to it or sing it without smiling."
What would you do with your winnings?: "If I win, I will probably put the money aside to save for a piano. I've managed with an electric for 10 years, but it's time to get back to playing on the real thing."
* * *
Shannon Allred (Kaysville)
Song and musical: "Easy As Life" from "Aida"
Why this song?: "This song has so much emotion to play with. I love the music and the power inside it. It also is a good match for my voice."
What would you do with your winnings?: "Put it toward my college tuition. I'm attending Southern Utah University in the fall."
* * *
Abigail Howard (South Weber)
Song and musical: "Consider Yourself" from "Oliver"
Why this song?: Mom Lisa Howard said that 10-year-old Abigail will dress like one of the orphan boys from the play.
"She chose this song because it is a song that lets her belt out her strong voice. She doesn't like to sing slow, quiet songs."
What would you do with your winnings?: If she wins the money, Abigail said she would buy a swimming pool with a diving board.
* * *
Michael Jensen (West Valley City)
Song and musical: "This Is the Moment" from "Jekyll & Hyde"
Why this song?: "I wanted to sing something inspirational, and this song really reminds people that they succeed -- automatically -- whenever they find the courage to confront their fears. 'This Is the Moment' is about seizing opportunity, about believing in yourself, and about finding courage when it counts most."
What would you do with your winnings?: "It's going toward a new piano for my students' voice lessons."
* * *
Michael G. Cram (Clearfield)
Song and musical: "I Am Adolpho" from "The Drowsy Chaperone"
Why this song?: "I love the new musical 'The Drowsy Chaperone.' The song, 'I Am Adolpho' and the role of Adolpho is both challenging and exciting, and is one I would love to perform someday. I love the comical side of this song. It allows you to use the full capacity of your talent and acting abilities, all in a matter of minutes. In past productions I've always played the lover roles. This would be an amazing opportunity to perform a caricature role."
What would you do with your winnings?: "My mother lost her rental units, and thus a good portion of her income, in a fire last year. I would very much love to help her out. I'd also love to follow my star -- my quest to achieve my musical goals, and possibly return to school to finish my degree in music."
* * *
Marco "Marcus" Mercado (Layton)
Song and musical: "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" from "Jersey Boys"
Why this song?: "I think it's a cool song."
What would you do with your winnings?: "I think I'll buy me a really nice acoustic guitar."
* * *
Amy Fullmer (Layton)
Song and Musical: "Vanilla Ice Cream" from "She Loves Me"
Why this song?: "I chose this song because it is simply delightful. I have so much fun singing it. It showcases my range, while being delightfully funny and entertaining at the same time."
What would you do with your winnings?: "If I were to win, I would use the money to go to Disneyland with my family. My kids are 8, 6, 5, 3, and 10 months, and we've never been. We'll see. Whatever happens, I am going to have a blast!"
* * *
Lauren Bishop (Layton)
Song and musical: "On My Own" from "Les Miserables"
Why this song?: "I love the music from the play 'Les Miserables.' This song, especially, was one that I was able to connect with. It's about a young girl thinking of a boy that she loves that will never love her back. What girl can't relate to that on some level?" responded the 14-year-old.
What would you do with your winnings?: "I will save at least half of it for college -- mostly, because my parents will make me -- and spend the other half on fun activities for the summer, new clothes, and hopefully a ticket to see 'Les Miserables' this summer at the Shakespearean Festival."
* * *
Witness (shown on opposite page, a group that includes Sarah Croft, Julie Gibb and Kami Wood, all from Kaysville; two other members of the group aren't performing)
Song and musical?: "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" from "The Wizard of Oz"
Why this song?: "This was a song many of us liked," said Gibb. "It has a very hopeful message, which is what we like to sing about."
What would you do with your winnings?: "We will use the money for continuing to share uplifting and hopeful messages through music with the community. We are a newly formed group and need mics ... and more music to continue to perform and share our love of music."
* * *
Schuyler McKay Taylor (Roy)
Song and musical: "Standing on the Corner" from "The Most Happy Fella"
Why this song?: "The reason I chose this song is because this was the first Broadway song I sang in my 7th-grade junior high choir," said the 15-year-old. "It is also a comedic and fun song. However, I can't give away any details, so you will just have to come and listen to see why."
What would you do with your winnings?: "Since my mom is my biggest fan, I will take her advice and put most of it toward my college fund. But I would spend some of it on fun stuff."
* * *
Sam Lilly (Farmington)
Song and musical: "Anthem" from "Chess"
Why this song?: "It is a classic from my fifth favorite musical of all time. Plus, it's perfect for my vocal range."
What would you do with your winnings?: "It's going in a savings account in order to help pay for a trip to Vegas to celebrate 10 years of friendship with my Besty!"
* * *
Katie Frandsen (Farmington)
Song and musical: "Gimme Gimme" from "Thoroughly Modern Millie"
Why this song?: "I picked this song because I love belting and I find it so entertaining. I also have a personal connection with someone who helped originate this song, so it means a lot to me."
What would you do with your winnings?: "There are too many options on how to spend the money. I don't know what I would choose!"
* * *
Matthew Richards (South Weber)
Song and musical: "Somethin's Coming" from "West Side Story"
Why this song?: "I thought that people would like this song because it is a classic. I also could really relate with the message of the song, because it is talking about how something big is coming and this competition has been something big for me!" responded the 16-year-old.
What would you do with your winnings?: "I honestly haven't thought about it that much. I think I would put it toward recording equipment so I can download the music from my head and finally get some sleep."
* * *
Brooklyn Pulver-Kohler (Salt Lake City)
Song and musical: "Don't Rain on My Parade" from "Funny Girl"
Why this song?: "It is a classic Broadway belt number made famous by Barbra Streisand. It screams Broadway!"
What would you do with your winnings?: "I am a mother of a 1-year-old. The thing we need most is a little time away. Hopefully, we'll put together a little getaway and have a Mommy-Daddy date. Since we are full-time parents and I think that is what we need most."