Far from the klieg lights and the majestic proscenium arch of a Broadway stage, but with the same passion and pride of professional thespians, members of Friends and Neighbors of Northeast Duval delighted a packed Odell Recreation Center, Friday evening, at their Northeast Duval Social Club’s first Talent Show.
“The evening, along with a pot-luck buffet dinner, was something different than our regular social club events,” said Mike Palma who served as emcee. He and his “Just Mike” dancers opened the show with a rousing song and dance performance of Can’t Stop This Feeling.
“The show featured entertainers from our neighborhood and was only open to our neighbors,” he said.
Later, Mike returned to the imaginary stage to perform Uptown Funk and Blurred Lines.
More than 100 residents were entertained by Ginny Marchel whose two service and therapy dogs aptly demonstrated their own good behavior talents.
They were followed by a vocal performance by Patti Card; then a ukulele melody and sing-along group led by Kay Roberts. Part Two featured the Village Sweeties Sweet Potato Queens chapter who dazzled everyone with I Fall to Pieces and Never Wear Panties. Then came Reed and Sue LeFebvre’s rendition of All I Have To Do Is Dream.
“The show was the brainchild of Marv Balousek who helped organize the event,” said Brenda Peters. “His band, ROOT 466, performed throughout the show. They are regular entertainers at City Fire and various events throughout The Villages.”
Perhaps the cast won’t be New York-bound, but the ovation by their appreciative audience will be long remembered and just as meaningful as a Great White Way performance.
