Shap Show Raises $7,000 for LBHS Seniors' Grad Night

News release from Kristine Michaels:

The annual Laguna Beach High School fundraiser, No Suits Allowed #24 (a.k.a. The Shap Show), netted $7,000 for the class of 2012's Safe and Sober Grad night on Saturday at the LBHS Artists Theater.

The evening started with a sold-out pre-show dinner at , where 65 parents and other supporters dined in the cozy back room and patio area of the upscale Mexican eatery.

The concert itself opened with a solo by the venerated Mr. Gary Shapiro. Earlier in the day, during the sound check, Mr.Shapiro explained how the show originated.

In 1979, a group of students approached Shapiro and asked him if he would perform in an effort to raise money for the senior class. He agreed, and it was a one-man show that first year, not involving any students or other performers. In 1980, No Suits Allowed #2 took on a form closer to what it is today, featuring songs with a variety of students and other guests with the express purpose of funding senior graduation activities.

[Read from last week for more on the origins of the Shap Show.]

Of the 33 numbers in the three-hour-long concert, there were several repeat guests from prior years. These included fellow math teacher Mr. Bogusiewicz and Vince Troffamoff; world history teacher Mr. Shen in his 7th consecutive appearance; alumni Al Salehi on electric violin and Jeff Niebaum on guitar.

Also noteworthy was the elementary school's 4th and 5th grade honors chorus appearance, under the direction of Mrs. Beth Sand. Early in the first half, they entered the stage with powdered white hair and stooped shoulders and canes, filling one side of the stage to accompany Mr. Shapiro in a memorable rendition of the Beatles classic "When I'm Sixty-Four."

While each number necessitated minor adjustments to microphones and equipment, the audience was patient and loudly enthusiastic at the start and end of each song. The show also included the occasional callout to "Shap's" different classes, resulting in rousing responses from the energetic and vocal crowd.

The first half ended with an energetic performance by Caroline Holte, backed up by Kenzie MacMillan, with their rendition of KT Tunstall's "Black Horse & the Cherry Tree," which was infused with an energy that spread through the entire theater.

It was a treat to hear many musical theater students such as Sarah Busic, Élan Kramer, Jackson Tupy and Karina Parker appear as themselves, rather than in character or costume, performing a song of their own choosing. Especially notable was Chandler Davis doing a ballad version of another Beatles tune, "I Want to Hold Your Hand," and Makenna ZurSchmiede’s rendition of "Killing Me Softly."

The second half brought a special appearance by LBHS Principal Joanne Culverhouse on her acoustic guitar for a performance of the Zac Brown Band's "Chicken Fried." The song was led by Nick Leighton and backed up by Elliot Glass on the upright bass guitar, and LBHS Alumnae Al Salehi on violin.

Other outstanding performances of the evening were performed by Dylon Del Pizzo-Howell and Elliot Glass, Lola Cowie, Gabrielle Crivello and Carly Manfrini, and Sara Busic. In addition to the many hours of practice that went into the rehearsal of every number, Mr. Gary Shapiro accompanied each performance in the three-hour show. 

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