Tan Capezio’s heels clomp against the checkered tiled floors. Hairspray is doused onto brown, voluminous, curled hair. Vibrant pink lipstick is applied to the lips. Blue, sparkling eyeshadow is swiped onto eyelids.
These are the finishing touches. All that is left is to put it all out on the stage for one last time.
Please help me welcome to the stage, Harmonics!
After the MC announced the show, titled “Vincent,” a twinkling piano tune began to play as the chorus members took to the stage, setting themselves in statuesque positions of painting and creativity. From there, the roughly 22-minute performance took the audience on the journey of the famous painter Vincent van Gogh’s life.
The story showcased van Gogh’s rise to artistry and his passion for his work, then showed through song and dance his descent into madness. With well-known songs such as “Not Strong Enough” by boygenius and “I Know the End” by Phoebe Bridgers, “Vincent” told a cohesive story from start to finish.
The creative vision came from director Lauren Eakes Loving. While having worked with high school show choirs in the past, this was her first year bringing it to Huntley and only her second year in District 158. While most show choirs hire choreographers and composers, Loving did it all single-handedly.
“She’s doing the work of five or six people all by herself,” chorus member Jessica Holtz said. “You would never be able to tell though, because it’s all of the same professional quality.”
Throughout the rehearsal process, there were many conversations between Loving and the members of Harmonics about what the show was trying to say and how it should be conveyed. It was also a heavier topic, for van Gogh’s story ended by taking his own life, so it had to be treated with respect and caution.
“Most show choirs are upbeat and fun from start to finish, but I like to think outside of the box,” Loving said. “I don’t really do happy when it comes to this type of art. I think that makes us stand out, though.”
And stand out the Harmonics did. With it being their inaugural year, they gained popularity and traction quickly. Chorus members would make friends from other schools and reconnect at different competitions they went to, and those in the audience would often come up to Loving to comment on how impressed they were for it being the very first year of show choir at HHS.
“I once had a judge come up to me before our competition and ask me a couple of questions about our show,” chorus member Avery Goss said. “He said he had heard people talking about us and heard great things about us online.”
After five competitions and nine months of practice, “Vincent” performed for its final time at Wheaton Warrenville South High School on March 15.
“Thank you for a great season,” Loving said. “You all should be so proud of where you are now. Thank you for helping me tell this story. The impact it left on people is something I will never forget.”
