Last night something Sphere-Tacular took place at the Ridgefield Playhouse. SPHERE members under the director of Kim Pereira dazzled a packed house of supporters and newcomers of all ages with a variety show like no other.
Members performed with the Ridgefield Chorale, the Ridgefield Symphony, magician Tom Pesce and playwright Rich Cohen. They joined Ridgebury Girl Scout Troop 50013 in a spirited Square Dance and played the recorder and sang with James Tornatore and the Scotland School Recorder volunteers.
Bethany Weber sang a Britney Spears tune “I’m Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman” which blew us all way by the power and quality of her voice.
Susan Choplinski performed on piano accompanied by Joseph Bass on bass, Elegy, a delicate and moving musical piece written for their collaboration.
And there was theater – comedy “If You Can Talk You Can Sing” a witty piece of playful exchanges between Sphere members about happiness and how to reach it. Robin DiPerrio was most convincing as the sad and perplexed young lass who had to be convinced that singing is the key to a happy you.
Sean Keenan moved us all with his touching rendition of “The Lonely Goatherd” sung with the SPHERE cast and the Ridgefield chorale.
And so much more: breakdancing with JC Consavage and SPHERE cast members Maya Bachmann and Ryan Goldberg, each of them sweeping up the playhouse stage with their bold moves.
And The SPHERE cast did a rocking “Mockingbird” and “Back It Up” Line Dancing with Scotland’s 4th grade Dancing Volunteers.
John Andrew Moomaw touched our hearts with his vocals and guitar performance of “Climb Every Mountain” accompanied by the Sphere Cast and the Ridgefield Chorale.
And finally, as if the audience were not already treated to a huge serving of joyful meaningful entertainment, the entire cast sang “Lean On Me” with Mark Layne on guitar and Katy Haigh on keyboard with their music director Kim Pereira conducting.
And if that weren’t enough, in the lobby SPHERE Art was exhibiting and selling hangable Book Sculptures created by SPHERE art class members along with teacher Stacey Kolbig using recycled books.
And of course Jewelry – lots of it on sale -beckoning all with its dazzle and color. Wendy Lionetti and her amazing team of SPHERE members created all manner of sparklers: earrings; bracelets; necklaces; napkin rings – eye candy for our audience who could not restrain themselves from making purchases for themselves and gifts for teachers, new graduates, birthdays.
What a grand SPHERE event. Our members soared on the powerful wings of their tremendously versatile and inspiring leader, Kim Pereira.
By: Jill Edelman Barberie