Apr 28 2010
Born to Be the Master of Ceremonies
Talent Shows of all types are highly amusing events. No matter the location of the event or ages of participants, as a member of the audience, I usually experience moments of cringing followed by moments of awe.
The first talent show I can remember was held in the small town where I grew up. It was a variety show for the town’s Christmas party. Nan, my brother’s godmother, was Master of Ceremonies. (She knitted me the most wonderful pair of black wool mittens that I wore faithfully each winter for 20 years. Then, I lost them. I still mourn that loss. She also made fabulous cookies and taught my Mom her best cookie recipes.)
A family got up with their guitars and sang country gospel, my best friend Laurie and I performed a dance routine, and there were multiple instruments and songs. I only remember one act clearly because it brought down the house, much to my consternation.
Two little sisters in matching sparkly outfits danced and sang to “I saw Mommy kissing Santa Clause.” They were a huge hit. I am embarrassed to remember how resentful I was because I was not such a crowd favorite. Through the years, I attempted other dancing and singing acts, but I never generated the most applause.
Then, my senior year in High School, I finally figured out which part of the show I was best at. Following in the footsteps of Nan, I was the Master of Ceremonies for my schools’ homecoming along with my friend Ev. I had finally found my place.
Talent shows held in the church always bring out the most unusual acts. Whether it’s the recitation of the Declaration of Independence, praise hula, or clogging, you really never know what to expect.
Abby’s middle school talent show was fun to watch. For every act that went horribly awry, another made me smile. Last year at the middle school talent show, a girl who played the guitar on the worship team finally opened her mouth and sang. She took everyone by surprise with her tremendous talent. She is exceptionally gifted and this year she won the award for best overall talent.
As the show approached, I asked Abby what ‘the boy who claimed he could beat Josiah in the spelling bee’ was doing for the talent show. Last year, he had performed both a karate routine and a piano piece. She told me he hadn’t entered and I was shocked. He is extremely competitive in all areas of life. I had been looking forward to watching his performance and was disappointed not to have the opportunity.
I needn’t have worried. He was the hit of the show for me. He had every cheesy line and joke down pat, compliments in all manner of creativity, and he pulled it all off with such aplomb that I had to admit he was born to be the Master of Ceremonies. He was fabulous!
Friday night is Josiah’s High School talent show. He is going to play Odeon by Nazareth on the piano. I’m looking forward to his performance and to once again discovering an unusual talent that catches me completely by surprise.
This past January, while we were waiting to watch the talent portion of the Miss America competition, everyone piped up with what talent they hoped they would see. “I hope someone plays the flute,” said Abby. “I hope someone twirls the baton,” said I. “I hope someone plays the triangle,” said Zeke.
Now, that would be a talent to remember.
Did you search the “sock box” for your mittens?
I believe my mom still maintains the beloved sock box. She’ll have to check for me. You never know what will turn up in there.