Take 28  energized, talented teens, give them a stage and sit back and be entertained.  That’s the formula for this week’s Lakeridge Company Variety Show, “Talk of the Town,” in the Lakeridge auditorium at 1235 Overlook Drive. Show times are 7:00 p.m. April 24-26, with a 2:00 p.m. matinee on the 26^th.

While overseen by choir diretor Bill Campbell, much of the show is student-driven from many of the song choices to the theme itself. “Talk of the Town” seems fitting because based on past shows, it’s easy to see why this year’s edition will be just that.

1. A taste of city life. With a population of 37,000, Lake Oswego is more a village than a city but Company members hope to feature some of the hustle and bustle of city life with an urban setting and group numbers like “Rock This Town” (Stray Cats) and “The New Girl in Town” (Hairspray). Other crowd favorites include: “You’re the One That I Want” (Grease),  “Royals” by Lorde and the Academy award winning theme from Frozen, “Let It Go.”
2. Talent. Company auditions are a nerve wracking time on the Lakeridge campus. Show choir wannabe’s put their best voices forward in front of choir director Bill Campbell and retiring senior members a few weeks after the annual Variety Show. Cast names are posted and wishes are granted for some while hearts are broken for others. Bottom line—the kids you see on stage worked hard to get here and they deliver.
3. Cheap date. Where else can you go and enjoy live entertainment for $12 (adults; $8/students)?
4. Costume changes. While Madonna currently holds the Guinness World Record for most costume changes in a film (85 in Evita), Company performers give her a run for the title. My daughter’s show featured boys dressed in caveman outfits singing “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” and ensemble members channeling their inner hippies for “California Dreaming,” not to mention the dozens of switcheroos in between. By the time the curtain goes down, the audience realizes that the costume committee needs to come on stage for a standing ovation.
5. A chance to make someone’s night. In this age of Instagrams and text messages, there is something refreshing about an old fashioned hand written note and Variety Show volunteers give you the opportunity to send one backstage to cast members of your choice. Having had a daughter in Company a few years back, I know what it means to these kids to receive best wishes from fans in the audience. So take time before the show or during intermission to make someone’s night by sending him or her a note. Or, for a little extra, you can get your message across with a long stemmed rose.

Tickets are available online, through the Lakeridge bookkeeper or at the box office the night of the show.

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