By Edward Lynn
Editor
EAGLE GROVE, Iowa – The Eagle Grove Middle School and High School music departments took center stage Saturday night for their annual variety show, Opening Night! A Night of Broadway. The event brought together students, staff, and even community members for a celebration of musical theater, featuring a lineup of show-stopping performances.
The show opened with a high-energy performance by the Mixed Choir, kicking off an evening filled with Broadway hits, solos, duets, and group numbers. The audience was treated to standout performances such as All of Me, Friend Who Can, and Wondering. Members of the Speech Club, fresh off their district victories that secured their spot at State, showcased their talents in a spirited Reader’s Theater performance, putting on improvised skits based on prompts from the audience.
A high point of the night came in the performance of Seasons of Love, where the high school choir members were joined by members of the community, including alumni and parents, family and friends. “The message we send to the high school student,” a passage from the community singers included in the program announced, “is that music, whether singing or playing an instrument, is something we can enjoy our whole lives.”
One of the most fun moments of the evening was Name That Broadway Tune, a crowd-favorite game show hosted by Myka Anderson and Ellie Lenning. This year’s edition included a special segment featuring songs exclusively from musicals that Music Director Sandy Muzzey had directed throughout her 26-year career in Eagle Grove. The tribute highlighted the profound impact Muzzey has had on the school’s performing arts program and delighted audience members who fondly recalled past productions.
The Middle School’s 5th grade band, 6th grade band, and 7th & 8th grade band also took the stage, demonstrating their musical growth and adding to the night’s rich variety of entertainment. The High School Band rounded out the musical acts with a dynamic set that kept the energy high.
An emotional high point of the evening came when Master of Ceremonies and senior Ryan White presented Muzzey with a flowering plant, a token of appreciation from the students. The crowd erupted in applause as Muzzey, who announced her retirement at the end of this school year, was recognized for her years of dedication and mentorship.
An energetic dance performance of Cruisin for a Bruisin’ by Myka Anderson wowed the crowd. A duet of Wondering by Adam Champagne and Ellie Lenning as well as a solo by Champagne of All I Ask brought the audience to its feet. Parker Poppen’s revealing performance of Friend Who Can, accompanied by a slide show he created, spoke to the powers of faith and friendship in persevering through hardship lifted spirits. And performances of All of Me by Yari Pelico and Tra
(Photo Courtesy of Edward Lynn)
velin’ Soldier by Ellie Lenning brought tears to the eyes of many assembled.
The production was made possible through the efforts of the student tech crew, including Director Sandy Muzzey, Sound Tech Elias Thury, Video Tech Elizabeth Schwake, and an audio-visual team led by Justin Schwake and Emily White. Their behind-the-scenes work ensured a seamless and polished production.
Local businesses and sponsors played a key role in supporting the event, including Oldson’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Gold-Eagle Cooperative, J & J Sports, Town & Country Insurance/First State Bank, and Broadway Vision. Their contributions helped make the night possible.
The show closed with a rousing performance of You Can’t Stop the Beat, bringing the audience to its feet in a standing ovation. As Opening Night! came to a close, the evening stood as a testament to the hard work, passion, and talent of Eagle Grove’s students and educators, celebrating not only the magic of Broadway but also the legacy of a teacher who helped bring that magic to life for over two decades.
Congratulations to all the performers, crew, and organizers for an unforgettable night of music and theater!
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