One of the Women's Club of Forest Hills’ fifteen chapters took center stage (literally!) last month and once again hosted a delightful springtime performance. The show featured members of their Drama and Singers chapter, many of them Gardens residents. On Saturday, April 13th, the Community House on Borage Place was filled with lots of square dancing, line dancing and individuals kicking up their heels! The one-night performance drew more than 220 attendees, all wishing to show their support for the talents and efforts of their fellow neighborhood friends. The evening was kicked off by current president and Gardens resident, Catherine Wigdor.

While it is believed to be the fiftieth year of productions put on by the Club — itself over 100 years old — none of the original participants remain to confirm this fact. One thing is certain: this long standing tradition of an April or May show, often accompanied with dinner and dancing, is a labor of love for many Gardens residents.  Many return year after year to sing, dance, provide musical accompaniment or simply man the curtains and lights.

This year’s show, entitled “Midwestern Beef,” featured a cast of fourteen performers, and was the responsibility of Gardens resident, Audrey Brown, chair of the Drama and Singers Chapter for the Women’s Club. It was truly a family affair - not only did her mother, Kathy Brand, and daughter, Sadie, perform together with Audrey, but her mother also handled the reservations, prepped a lot of the evening’s meal while her father, Al Brand, worked on the scenery and room decorations. Additionally, her sister, Adrienne, created the promotional posters and programs, her mother in law assisted with set up and food committee, and her husband, Danny Brown, was responsible for the delicious meal, which included…you guessed it …beef barbecue.

Former Women’s Club president, Chris Evangelista’s son, JP Evangelista, was the musical director and performed many musical numbers and his wife, Courtney, helped with the set up and food committee. As with any production, it took an army to execute the vision. Other participants - many current or former Gardens residents - included:

Brenda Savino Coppin (set up/stage manager)
Nancy Crabill (set up/performer)
Peter Dizozza (pianist)
Tallin Lamonaca (drums)
James Navarette (performer)
Jason Olshan (performer)
Isabella Perkins (performer)
Randy St. Germain (set up/performer)
Ted St. Germain (set up/performer)
Greg Arnold (sound & stage lights)
Joan Kelly (stage manager)
Illya Castillo Becktold (spotlights)
Sam Moree (videographer)
Dorota Isaacson (performer)
Lillian Killian (performer)
Barbara Poolin (performer)
Kasia Sawicz (performer)
Blanca González (violin)
Jim Flynn (bass)
Hugh Stuart (trumpet)

The evening turned out to be highly enjoyable for everyone involved, adding yet another successful event to the Women’s Club of Forest Hills' long list of neighborhood gatherings.