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Friday night and Saturday’s matinee were sold out and
Saturday night was also very well-attended. St. John’s United Church
of Christ’s fellowship hall was transformed into an elegant
performance space with curtains, candlelight, and tastefully
appointed tables.
Patrons were treated to a delicious dessert menu of
cream puffs, cupcakes, and mini-apple pies created by We Three
Sweets accompanied by sparkling grape juice and coffee.
The entertainment began with an impressive piano duet
by Kay Dobson and Dinelle Frankland of the song “All that Jazz” from
the musical Chicago. Dobson and Frankland also served as
accompanists throughout the evening.
The duet was followed by an ensemble performance of
“Be Our Guest” from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast featuring Curt
Schleich as Lumiere and Melissa Cremeens as Mrs. Potts and a
powerful performance of “If I Can’t Love Her,” Beast’s solo from the
same musical, performed by Aaron Hinton.
Lauren DeJarnette reprised her role as Sister Robert
Anne from last summer’s LCT production of Nunsense to deliver a
rousing version of “I Just Want to Be a Star,” followed by a trio of
LCT favorites, Tim Searby, Sheralyn Bolton, and Julie King,
performing “Lost in the Darkness” and “In His Eyes” from the musical
version of Jekyll and Hyde.
The youngest cast member, Marin Crombie, delivered a
beautiful rendition of “She Used to Be Mine” from the musical
Waitress followed by an entertaining Guys and Dolls medley performed
once again by the LCT Broadway ensemble.
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Board member Paul Crombie offered an update about LCT
and how the proceeds from the fundraiser will support LCT’s summer
season, student scholarships, and renovations on the newly purchased
property that will serve as a warehouse and workshop aptly located
on Broadway Street near downtown. The LCT board is excited not just
about the location, but the opportunity to have its own storage
space for costumes, props, and sets as well as a workshop space to
construct sets and scenery. Crombie explained that the property is a
fixer-upper, but LCT has taken a leap of faith that Lincoln will
continue to value and support the performing arts in our community
including renovations to update the new property for purpose.
Following the LCT update, Lacy Buss, another of the
cast’s young members, performed a lovely version of Carole King’s
hit “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?” from King’s musical
Beautiful, followed by a crowd-pleasing performance from Tom
McLaughlin as Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof with a lively rendition
of “If I Were a Rich Man.”
Caleb and Lauren DeJarnette together sang the moving
love song “My Cup Runneth Over” from I Do, I Do, and Charlie
McFadden belied her young age with an amusing turn as world-weary
Miss Hannigan singing “Little Girls” from Annie. A spirited South
Pacific medley brought the ensemble back to the stage featuring
solos by Curt Schleich and Austin Garriott in songs from this
classic musical.
The finale of A Midwinter Night’s Dream was an
uplifting sneak peek of LCT’s 2024 summer season with an ensemble
performance of “Beautiful City” and “Light of the World” from the
musical Godspell featuring Jeff Prince singing the role of Jesus.
LCT Board President Sheralyn Bolton concluded the evening with
heartfelt thanks to patrons for their support of the performing arts
in Lincoln and a promise “to keep the spotlight on” with continued
support from the community.
Artistic Directors of A Midwinter Night’s Dream, Tim
Searby and Sheralyn Bolton, will also be directing LCT’s 2024 summer
season. Searby will direct Godspell June 20-23 and Bolton will
direct a 1920’s speakeasy version of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer
Night’s Dream July 25-28. Open auditions for both shows will be held
on March 8 and 9. For more information, visit
https://www.lincoln
communitytheatre.org/.
[Stephanie Hall] |
