The Kiwanians are bringing back the variety show format this
year for the 49th annual Kiwanis Kapers, “Search for the
Stars.”
Director Barb Pedersen, who has been involved with Kapers in one
facet or another since 1986, she said, indicated this year’s show
promises “non-stop entertainment.”
Pedersen, who is no newcomer to the Kapers stage, will perform
this year, as well.
Although little dialogue is used in the show because it is,
after all, a variety musical, the script writers this year are
Shari Woodhouse, Kim Hallock and Dani Brien.
She went on to say that “Search for the Stars” mimics a Star
Search-type format, in which “talent scouts” from Bradford travel
across the country to find raw talent and bring it back home.
The show features three different mother and daughter duets and
one grandfather-granddaughter duet, Pedersen said, adding a special
comic highlight will be a singing nurse who performs “Christmas
carols with a twist.”
Line dancers called the Heel-Toe Twisters will be part of the
show, as well as a 1950s medley. “Search for the Stars” will also
feature bagpipe performers, the Mountain Laurel Harmonizers
barbershoppers.
Musical director is Kathy O’Mara, and choreography was directed
by Ardyth Van Scoy. Costume designer is Charlotte Cuthbertson.
The show will include an array of musical numbers, including
some jazz, rhythm and blues, swing and popular selections.
New this year is the middle school number, Pedersen said, adding
that age group had not been singled out for their own performance
in prior years. The show will include performers of every age, she
said, from kindergarten to adults in their 70s.
“Practice has been really pulling together,” Pedersen said of
preparations for the show. “And I’ll be breathing even easier next
week.”
The new auditorium at Bradford Area High School, where the show
will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m.
Sunday, should be a big draw, she said. The sound system
technicians, stage craft students and Bradford High Musical
Director Chad Young have been a huge help, Pedersen said.
“We’re hoping to pack it,” she added. “This will be a great way
to show of the new auditorium.”
The show is featuring some “oldies, but goodies,” she said, as
well as some new faces. The Kiwanis Kuties will grace the stage
again this year, too.
Kapers is the sole fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club of Bradford,
and all funds raised go to children’s charities – the majority of
them local, Pedersen said.
The show should last about 2 to 2 1/2 hours, Pedersen said.
Tickets are now available through any Kiwanian, and at several
local businesses, including the local banks, Graham’s Florist and
Mayer Brauser to name a few. Tickets will also be available for a
little higher cost at the door. Pedersen advised contacting a
Kiwanian to ask about patron tickets for sponsors, which can be
even less expensive that pre-purchased tickets.
