This article was written by Daniel Chai and publishedin The Now Newspaper, on October 16, 2004.
'A Star Studded Revue'
"Where is my costume?"
"Do you know all of the words to the song?"
"Has Donna come in yet?"
It is 5:45 p.m. on Oct. 1, backstage at the Shannon Hall in Cloverdale, and the performers of 'A Star Studded Revue' are filing into the hall to begin preparing for their dance and musical variety show, a night of dancing and singing along to musical greats of the past.
In the makeshift meeting and makeup rooms, it seems like backstage at any sort of theatre show: actors are looking for their stage partners, some look for their last notes reminding them of lines, while others talk to calm their nerves.
There is only one difference: many of the singers and dancers in this production are mentally challenged, members of Events Unlimited, a Peace Arch Community Services Specialized Adult Services Program. Instead of pulling up to the hall in limousines and accompanied with an entourage, many parade in on crutches, others in wheelchairs.
However, it is this small difference that makes the show that much more special, at least to the family and friends of the performers, and especially to Michael Kalmuk, producer of A Star Studded Revue and manager of Specialized Adult Services.
"These people prove that anyone can be whoever they want to be," said Kalmuk, who himself would be performing in an act of "Guitarzan."
"Here, people learn how to perform. Some were afraid at first, but now everyone is moving forward."
Events Unlimited was a pilot program of Kalmuk when he joined PACS five-years ago. Its purpose was to help put on events, such as 'A Star Studded Revue', that could raise money to sustain itself while teaching life skills. For example, the catering for the events, the sales of tickets and garnering of door prizes would all be done by members of the program.
Events Unlimited is currently merged with the day programs at SAS, and the group puts on two dances a year, with the goal staying on teaching independence and confidence. Tonight, the members of Events Unlimited will get a chance to prove their confidence, by singing and lip-synching along to music in front of their family and friends.
"The idea is not how good or bad you are, but about the chance for you to be a star," said Kalmuk. "Anyone can have the skill, but you have to have the guts as well. Everyone I know has performed in front of a mirror with a spoon. Here, we make their dreams come true."
For Chris Ediger, Anthony Bennett and Andrew Raywood, performing is something that they do out of love for the stage.
"Standing out on stage makes me feel good," said Raywood, who along with Ediger and Bennett will be performing as the Andrew Sisters in a production of "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy."
"I have no fear of anxiety attacks, and it helps me build up self esteem."
For Ediger and Bennett, part of the fun is in making new friends. "I just love to perform, and have fun meeting people," said Ediger.
Added Bennett, "Our purpose is in getting more people in our shows. We've rehearsed this song for months."
Carl Pii is another singer in tonight's extravaganza, even though he is not a member of Events Unlimited.
"Michael asked me to perform, because I have volunteered with Events Unlimited before," said Pii, taking a break from getting ready for his song, "Splish Splash."
"My involvement is to help those who are not as experienced doing this with some advice. However, when I do this, it gives me a lot of confidence too. I am able to do things that I didn't think I was able to."
It is 6:45 p.m., and the family and friends of the performers are settling into the long dinner tables inside of the Shannon Hall. Black and white balloons adorned with stars cover the walls and add to the ambience of the hall.
In the centre of it all is a large dance space, where the young and old, mentally challenged and their friends and family dance to tunes by Shania Twain, Chuck Berry and the BackStreet Boys. Some dance off to themselves, swaying in time to the music, while others huddle together in groups, laughing and having a good time.
Kay Wictlund and Margaret Campbell watch from their table. This will be their first time at one of the shows, and look forward to seeing the performances.
"I think we're going to see a damn good show," said Wictlund. "This is something that all of us should take an interest in and support."
Campbell agrees, adding that people with mental disabilities should be encouraged more often to go out and put on shows.
"I don't think people realize how much work goes into doing this. They've done a fantastic job."
In the back, Deldine Chang continues to help in the setup of the show. Her son, Jason Chang, will play the part of Michael Jackson in a singing of Thriller. He sits in his outfit, replete with a black hat and a single glove on his left hand.
"It is amazing what the mentally disabled can do," said Chang, who herself will be singing in 'A StarStudded Revue'. "The variety and the abilities of these people are so touching. They are so happy and warm - they touch your heart.
"We should definitely be learning from them. They never give up, even in the face of failure. Some of them have much more ability than we do."
Jason sits and watches as his mother talks. She notices, and yells over, "I'm talking about you, Jason."
"I am a very proud mother," confides Chang. "He brings tears to my eyes."
As the Changs prepare for their moment in the spotlight, Jean Gray sits back and watches as more performers file in to get into costumes and go over final preparations. The former Woodlands health care worker now works for PACS. She's been reunited with many of her former patients at the SAS programs, and is amazed at the improvement the people have had.
"I was actually surprised to see some of them again when I joined the PACS, and surprised to see them looking as well as they do now, said Gray. "They do get more individualized care in the community, and they have self-esteem that they never were given credit for before."
Gray admits that institutes such as Woodlands were most likely not as helpful as was once thought, but is now very happy to be working for PACS.
"In that day and age, that is all we knew. Now we know better," said Gray. "I think that the community is progressing. Everyone needs to keep aware."
It is 7:25 p.m., just five minutes before the start of the show. The crowds file from the dance floor and sit down at their tables. The lights in the Shannon Hall are dimmed, making the red and amber stage lights seem more brilliant.
In the wings, the performers stand, nervous yet ready to go on and sing for their fans. Kalmuk stands near the front of the line, and gives final instruction to the crews.
He smiles, and looks relieved to.
"All I have now is God to pull this off," said Kalmuk. If the show isn't ready, it'll never be ready."
Finally, it is 7:30. In a neat row, the singers and dancers file onto stage and seat themselves onto chairs facing the 400-plus audience. Cheering begins as people spot their loved ones.
It's show time.
