Photographs courtesy of Higher Powered Vocal Studio except where noted.
The “Higher Powered Vocal Studio” of Los Gatos, directed by Kellen Perry, presented “A Night at the Oscars” at the Los Gatos United Methodist Church Jan. 26. The Master of Ceremonies was our own local entertainer Michael Kane. Known to the community as an investment adviser, a Los Gatos Planning Commissioner, and a film and stage actor, Kane donned his tuxedo and was the perfect MC, doing a fine job of replacing Ellen DeGeneres or Billy Crystal for the evening; inclusive of a variety of jokes, some of which made the audience think a bit before laughing.
The evening’s theme was based upon the awards given by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Thank goodness the writer's union did not stop this show. The stage opened with the spotlight on a fine display of 23 upright, shiny Oscar-like statuettes. The flowers and gorgeous gowns were from great makers known to all. The students from the studio chose to become singers from different movies. Kane asked each winner where their fine gown came from--answers ranged from Jessica McClintock, to the House of Chanel, to Tar-Jay (Kane asked, “Is that the outfit with the red circle with a big red dot in the middle?) and the "family hand-me-down closet.”
Jim Henson (Jake Rakusin) and Kermit the frog were winners. As a result of Kermit having a bad case of laryngitis, Jim sang "The Rainbow Connection" from The Muppet Movie on his own. Kane asked, innocently, "Where were you born, Jim?" Henson (Rakusin) replied, "Sesame Street."
The criteria to be a winner for the Oscar night presentation was that the singer must be a recording artist with multiple CD's. Shortly before winner Judy Garland (Julianne Shearer) began her song "Over The Rainbow" from The Wizard Of Oz, Judy (Julianne) pointed out that she is from an era where CD and DVDs were not yet invented, and MTV was not there to promote her songs and movies.
Winner Marni Nixon (Kenzie Hall) sang “I Feel Pretty” from West Side Story. A little-known Hollywood fact was that the studio dubbed over Natalie Wood's singing voice with that of professional singer Marni Nixon. Marni Nixon also sang for Ingrid Bergman, Marilyn Monroe, Deborah Kerr, Audrey Hepburn, and many other Oscar winners.
The last winner was Julie Andrews (Lauren Platzker) singing "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" from Mary Poppins. She was both singing and dancing with Jim Henson (Jake Rakusin) as the rest of the winners formed a chorus in the background. The couple never missed a step.
As happens sometimes at the Academy Awards, some winners have prior engagements, and this was true Saturday for Celine Dion. Ms. Kellen accepted the Oscar on her behalf.
All the winners had an acceptance speech prepared, and all were very brief. They thanked their mother, father, brothers, sisters, Ms. Kellen, and their friends. One winner thanked her dog and science teacher.
The musicians included 13-year-old Julian on the drums, Kathleen Williams on the piano, Dave Buchanan on the bass and Dave Samuels on the piano. Ms. Kellen played the harp and was the background vocal for some of the singers.
Technicians included Lead Sound Tech Matt Geisick, Light Tech Beverly Platzker, and videographer John Dietrich.
The show's finale was a big surprise for Ms. Kellen. Master of Ceremonies Kane announced that the best way to end this wonderful show was for a stage full of past and present students and a very appreciative audience to sing "Happy Birthday" to her.
The stars were out tonight--even in the rain and wind!
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