What a Wohlwend Lip Sync Show!

So...this past Friday, my fifth grade son participated in his last lip sync show as a student at . He and his pals were super excited about this year's show since historically the fifth grade boys' act dresses up as girls for their big finale. I was super excited about this year because I got to finally choreograph a number to Dolly Parton's "9 to 5" which had been dancing around in my head for the last few years. I could never get my now eighth-grade daughter's group to do it, but it didn't take much to convince "my boys" that they would be a riot in this number.

We started rehearsing in late January, and by March 30, 14 little "boys" had transformed into dancing Dolly Partons. Their music teacher, Renato Durante, even joined in the fun by playing their "boss." I was mildly apprehensive as to their ability to pull off the whole curvy, feminine, temptress act; however, as they've always done in the past...they blew everyone away. The laughs started as soon as the lights came up, and they never ceased!

My son, and the other fifth graders, were the only kids allowed to participate in more than one number. Almost 45 fifth-graders worked together for three weeks giving up their recess time to work on their number, which was a medley of songs.

This year's choreography was ambitious to say the least. The kids were asked to really interpret the lyrics and act, and they did not let us down either! As they ran through the tunnel (another tradition for this act), this momma shed a tear knowing that this was the last year one of my kiddos would be participating in this fun night.

There were many other great acts throughout the evening. The dads' act is always a favorite, and this year, six ambitious moms got in on the fun as well.

But the big finale always belongs to the Wohlwend teachers. The teachers have always done great acts, but this year really blew everyone away. They did a spy number in which some teachers (and other staff members) dressed as Austin Powers spies, James Bond spies, and Pink Panther spies.  

They were all on a hunt to find out who stole the Wohlwend Wildcat mascot before the annual Mehlville-Oakville Spirit competition. The hours that the staff who participated put in, above and beyond their regular work day, were so evident in their execution of the choreography, their mixing of the music on the CD...even voice over work to set up the story for the audience. Simply put...they were amazing!

This is a fundraiser for Wohlwend, but it is so much more. It's a night to see how much the teachers and staff care about the kids. Seeing their teachers in a fun-loving, entertaining role and knowing they're doing it just because they love and care about the kids they teach, means the world to both the students and the parents.  

It's also a night to sit back and enjoy the efforts of so many parents including those in charge, Kelly Huegerich and Michele Frisella, and those behind the scenes (too numerous to name) including group leaders, program designers, stage decorators, ad seekers, lighting suppliers and more! I personally have found more joy in this event through the years than just about any events held at Wohlwend.

Wow!  What a show!