Merrillville High School - Merrillvue Yearbook (Merrillville, IN)

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Mr. Barry Manilow . . . Amy Englebright shows her enthusiasm during the event. Sharon Bianchi and Karen Chandler pose next to one of Barry ' s trunks. Barry presents a surprised Marji Fabrici Barry ' s back-up singers accept a cookie made for them. Barry Manilow talks with a manager. Mr. Reinhart grabs a quick bite. The star says his final farewells as the exciting evening ends. Student Life 19

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T he sellout crowds anxious- ly awaited the magical per- formance. His tickets sold for more than any act that had performed at the Holiday Star Theater previously. Not only did he require the tightest se- curity, but also the Holiday Inn was required to rebuild one of their rooms to satisfy the spe- cial performer for his four night stay. Just imagine the excite- ment of the nineteen lucky Merrillville students who were lucky enough to be asked to perform with Barry Manilow on those four special nights in April. Early in March, Mr. Gerald Reinhart, director of the Vo- calteens, received a phone call from New York. It was Barry Manilow’s agent asking if the Vocalteens would be in- terested in performing with Barry when he would be ap- pearing in April. The response from the group was an instan- taneous YES!” Manilow’s agent informed everyone that Barry would usually pick a talented young group of high school students in each city that he performed in to sing with him on stage. The Vocalteens were picked being that they were popular in the area, and they had also performed at many local bu- sinesses and gatherings. Practically no preparation or practice was set up for the group. They each received an autographed copy of the mu- sic to be sung, and it was up to Mr. Reinhart to rehearse with them. They had no rehearsals with Barry himself. They sang for his managers once, and that proved enough. On stage the Vocalteens wore long red choir style robes provided by Barry. They sang back-up for the song One Voice”, and after he fin- ished A Miracle”, they clapped for the Miracle Bows”. The Vocalteens admitted to being quite nervous at first, being that they hadn’t even seen the star before opening night. Finally, after three suc- cessful nights of perfor- mances, they were informed that they would have the privi- ledge of meeting Mr. Manilow, after the closing night perfor- mance. After his show was over, ev- eryone quickly rushed back- stage with cameras aimed at the entrance. First, his backup singers and manager arrived, and then the star himself. He carried in with him a big bottle of champagne, and was filled with nothing but the highest of praise for the students. He told them that they were one of the most professional groups that he had performed with and gave each member a free “Barry” t-shirt. Ladies and Gentlmen, Part of Barry ' s group reacts with surprise as they enter backstage. Barry Manilow expresses his feelings of pleasure after performing with the Vocalteens closing night. Barry gladly clowns for the camera. Barry ' s name appeared in lights just outside of the theater. 18 Student Life

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Sophomores Show Success With “Goodbye, My Fancy” ' T his year’s sophomore play, sponsored by the Thespi- ans, was entitled, Goodbye, My Fancy.” First-time director at our school, Mrs. Martha Ot- terbacher, did a fine job di- recting the cast. The plot began when Agatha Reed, played by Beth Bianco, came back to her for- mer school, Good Hope Col- lege, to receive an honorary award. But the big secret was that no one knew she had been expelled for staying out past curfew with her old boy- friend, Matt Cole, played by Brad Touchette. Agatha goes through many adventures with old friends and lovers. She reunites with her old beau, Dr. James Merrill (Andrew Otterbacher), but in the end she realizes that in fact she loves Matt Cole more than she thought. The play was held for three consecutive nights in Novem- ber in Reinhart Auditorium, and thanks to the cast, crews, and director, the sophomores were able to present a very successful play. Matt Cole (played by Brad Touchette) has made a rude remark to Agatha Reed (played by Beth Bianco) and Amelia (Debi Parks). Agatha, who is not in the best of moods, storms away with Amelia following close behind. Matt Cole has just kissed Grace Woods (Karyn Palvas), and with a look of astonishment she wonders what is going on. While everyone is out searching for Agatha. Matt Cole (Brad Touchette) receives a phone call informing him that she is on her way up. 20 Student Life