A magical evening

Almost anything could happen when the lights come up on the Brookdale variety show.
Surely there will be dancing, a little comedy, a lot of applause – and a few surprises.
But whatever happens, the “Bobcats of Brookdale Place” will be magical.
All told, some 90 Brookdale students will take the stage in the annual variety show, which draws its theme from the Disney Channel’s “The Wizards of Waverly Place.” The curtain goes up at 7 p.m. Friday, March 18, in Brookdale's Gym.
The evening will showcase the talents of third-, fourth- and fifth-graders in 37 acts. The lineup includes an array of dance and lip-synch routines as well as a number of brave instrumentalists who will perform on the piano and one who will play the violin.
A few students will test their chops with comedy skits, targeting the students in the audience with their humor. Several singers plan to perform solo and one will be accompanied on guitar.
Among the more unusual entries this year are a martial arts demonstration, soccer ball tricks set to musical accompaniment and a ballroom dance.
In addition to the onstage performers, 20 fourth- and fifth-graders are working to create the backdrop for the performance, and a troop of Brookdale Scouts will perform a flag ceremony to open the show.
Fifth-grader Nicholas Watkins will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” following the flag ceremony.