61st annual Warsaw Lions Club Minstrel delighted crowds
WARSAW – For many, attending the annual Warsaw Lions Club Minstrel Show is a family tradition. For many of the performers, it’s the same thing.
Ed Kent has been performing in the show for 40 years. He is one of the “End-Men” – the group of eight men who share funny “true” stories between acts of the show. “My mom started in the show in 1967 and my brother, sister and I followed in her footsteps.” Kent believes people look forward to the show each year because it is a good, family show. “It helps them lighten up and forget about the problems in the world for a little while.”
Another performer following a family tradition is Katie Haumschild. Her mom, Jean Haumschild, has been the director of the show for as 38 years and Katie was in the show while still in high school. “I think I’ve been doing it for 12 years. It’s a family show and some of these people, I only see at show time. They are great people to work with.” Katie was part of the interruptions which are short comedy acts between singing acts. This year, she was part of the “Fountains” act, among others.
In May, 1990, Jim Bartlett was transferred to Lexington, Kentucky for his job. He didn’t let distance stop his enthusiasm for being the “Interlocutor” – the emcee for the evening. Every year since the move, he has travelled home to Warsaw to be part of the Minstrel Show. “The show is good for the community. It’s a homecoming for me. I really enjoy being part of it.” He has been in the show for 38 years.
The Minstrel Show was performed Nov. 16–18 at River View High School. This year, it was titled “A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock and Roll.” About a dozen people sang solos or duets, while the entire company added several songs. The duet of Nick and Adam Fischer singing “Cats in the Cradle” touched many hearts as did Chris Graves’ version of “Home.”
The End Men kept the audience laughing and many were thrilled to see the Tiny Dancers make an appearance. The Lions Quartet of Larry Pepper, Nick Fischer, Bob Knicely and Chris Graves sang “Blaze of Glory” before the entire cast sang “Humble and Kind” as a reminder of what they hoped the audience would take from the show – to be kind and loving to each other.
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