Broadway Kids for Kids program simply astonishing

Elizabeth Patterson’s solo performance of the song “Astonishing” not only describes her unmistakable singing talent, it is also a fitting label to put on the Broadway Kids for Kids program that opens tonight at The Brass Ring.
The program is a fundraiser for the Family Shelter of Southern Oklahoma and includes 70 performers ranging in age from 6 to 18, singing, dancing and acting their hearts out to some of Broadway’s most popular songs.
There are 29 songs, to be exact, and each one offers something spectacular for the audience, not the least of which is the joy, amusement and flat-out awe that spectators get seeing these talented youngsters show their stuff.
The show opens with a stage full of performers wearing black Broadway Kids hooded jog suits singing and dancing to the energetic “Ease On Down the Road” from “The Wiz.” From the start, the group shows off their musical wares with solid harmonies that continue throughout the show.
From that upbeat beginning, various groups take the stage, performing some simple and some more difficult choreography while intertwining their acting skills in with the musical numbers. And many of the performers get their turn in the spotlight with a variety of solos and ensemble numbers that elicit laughs from the audience in some sparkling comedy scenes and even tug the heartstrings in some touching, dramatic pieces.
Each one deserves to be singled out for their masterful performances, but it’s difficult to talk about each one in such a short space. Needless to say, the only way to get a true picture of this show is to go see it personally. What audience members will see are some seasoned veteran performers like Elizabeth Patterson and Katie Parish, who also acted as student instructors all year, and show off their spectacular voices that have been honed through years of training. And they’ll be treated to some hilarious comedy numbers — like Seth Nightengale singing “I’m All Alone,” backed up by Nick Carpenter and Will Nightengale, and Will Herndon and company in “I’m Not That Smart.” Then there’s the flapper-clad Samantha Reser singing “Show Off” with Parish, Patterson, Herndon and Jared Chastain. And Lauren Carnahan proves she’s “Fabulous” with the help of a handful of well-dressed ladies.
The girls in the group get plenty of floor time in a medley of different songs that range from “Practically Perfect” to “Hard Knock Life.” In Act 1, Elizabeth Douglas leads a group in “Dreamgirls.” Act II gives room to Kennedy McAlister for some ensemble numbers and her solo “You’ll Be In My Heart,” and to Kara Hensley crooning about a “Purple Summer.”
The young men shine too, like Chastain singing “Lost in the Wilderness,” and Trenton McFatridge singing “Who Better Than Me” to Dawson Royse. Plenty of others step up to the mic for some memorable solos and duets.
But some of the best performances include large groups dancing and singing their hearts out, especially in the show-stopping “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” with the original Broadway choreography. The hippies come out in “Aquarius” and cowpokes take the stage for “Boogie Woogie Country.”
One thing that’s evident in this show is that the future of entertainment in Ardmore looks especially bright, as focus is given to the younger, up-and-coming performers who start at very young ages perfecting their talents.
There’s literally something for everyone in this Broadway Kids for Kids show. Don’t dare miss it.