I’m writing this on Sunday, May 10. It is Mother’s Day, and the day after the third annual Aquinnah Variety Show. For Mother’s Day, I’m just appreciating all that it takes to mother. And, because I’m so full of love for my community as a result of that show, I’m spending the day filled with gratitude for all.
The show was an extravaganza without precedent. Performing before a packed house at Town Hall, there were 20 acts, and a cast of 66, ranging in age from 2 to 87, including 29 from Aquinnah. There were too many acts for me to give you a complete reprise (please forgive me if I have not included your act), but here’s a brief sampling: The show opened with Kate Taylor and Laura Jordan’s beautiful voices singing “All You Need Is Love,” then more singing (including opera by Jessica Goodenough) and show-biz tap-dancing by Cathy Weiss. The music of Nina Simone’s “My Baby Just Cares for Me” rang around the hall, accompanied by the swing dancing of Janet Holladay and Tom Carberry. Isaac Taylor helped us all catch our breath with the haunting sounds of his beautiful voice responding to the sound of the shruti box. Little Coco Decker played “Chopsticks” on the piano. Young teens wowed us belting out music, one act singing in French, and another written by the performers as part of their original mini-musical. There was dance by Zuzu Sauer and Wren Forté. But it wasn’t just music and dance. The Hookers presented their goods (don’t worry, these were rug hookers displaying their hand-tied rugs). There were storytellers and poetry and tributes to those we’ve lost. As we approached the closing of the evening, we were treated to the absolutely classiest version of “In My Life,” sung by Tobias, Faith, and Naushon Vanderhoop, all clad in elegant clothing and harmonizing like angels, accompanied by Edward Fantasia. Then there was explosive basketball displayed to the thumping music of Kurtis Blow, sweetened by seeing the handsome teenage players lifting little Clay Colter up to the net so he could dunk it, and including a wickedly smooth breakdance performed by little Haile Forté to music provided by Sebastian Caldwell (a.k.a. DJ Dreamland). The night ended with a reprisal of “All You Need Is Love,” performed by the whole cast.
The entire thing rested on the shoulders of the indefatigable Laura Jordan and Kate Taylor, who both deserve medals. They were supported by Assistant Producer Barbara Wallen; by Scott Crawford and Keren Tonnesen, who did the complicated lights and sound; by Wes Nagy on piano; and by the backstage support given by Richard Wagner and Jim Vercruysse. Jeremy Berlin was at the piano for one of the numbers; Claire Page did choreography; Liz Witham handled videography; and David Stanwood was the piano tech. It was a whole lot of going on for one night of joy, this outpouring of community energy, creativity, and love. But it was wonderful. Be grateful, and may it inform and sustain you as we move ahead.
Meanwhile, life goes on. Reservations are open for Outermost Inn, which opens on June 10 for the season. Up on the Cliffs, construction is in its final stages, while Berta and Carla at Stony Creek Gifts and Martha at Hatmarcha have their shops open from 10:30 to 4 pm every day for your shopping pleasure. The Aquinnah library book group will be discussing the book “Spare Parts” on Saturday, May 16, from 2 to 3 pm, and on May 21 at 3 pm at Town Hall, it will be presenting a performance of the Great American Songbook with David Mintz.
By the time you read this, town meeting will be done, but I want to remind you to vote this Thursday, May 14, at Town Hall. Voting opens at noon and goes until 8 pm.
On May 15, birthday greetings go to Eddie Stahl. Then on May 16, it’s Leigh Vanderhoop, May 17, it’s Aquinnah Witham and Tom Seemon, and on May 18, it’s Genie O’Donnell who get our birthday hugs.