A not-to-miss show

Bear River High School is known for "Puttin' On the Ritz," a show that wows. And it's happening this weekend.

Five choirs, creative choreography, tight vocals and musical selections that range from classical to contemporary and that include a lively "Guys and Dolls" revue and jazz.

The school's show choir, Starlite Express, adds a real spark to things with its high-energy, quick musical transitions and creative choreography. The award-winning vocal jazz ensemble, Jazz Unlimited, a group of 12 auditioned students, displays smooth sounds and tight vocal harmonies. Three other choruses, one of men and two of women, plus solo and specialty acts complete this dynamite evening.

See it either Friday or Saturday at 7 p.m. at Bear River High School Performing Arts Theatre, 11130 Magnolia Road, Grass Valley. For its quality, this show is very reasonably priced: General admission is $8; $6 for students. Purchase tickets in advance at the school's student store; also at the door, if available, for an additional $2.

Call David Robinson, BRHS Choral Music Director, at 268-3700 ext. 4833 for more information.

Three seniors share their thoughts about being part of the Bear River High School Choral Music Department:

Paige Allen and Jon Garber have been singing together in school since they were in the 5th grade choir at Alta Sierra Elementary School.

"Being in choir has meant everything to me all through school," said Allen, who is in Starlite Express and Women's Ensemble. "Whenever I''ve had an off day or I have just felt low for any reason, it has all disappeared as soon as I've walked into the choir room."

Garber has been in the choir program with Starlite Express all four years. He has also participated three years in Men's Chorus and two years in Jazz Unlimited.

"This will be my last "Ritz" which is sad," he said, "but I know it will be a lot of fun too. The time has gone by so fast. After every performance I have ever been in, I've always felt really proud to be a part of it all. Each year has been different with new experiences, but all along, being in choir has been incredible. I've gotten to travel with the BRHS choir programs all over California, to Hawaii, Florida and to the Bahamas. We've been to a lot of shows, met amazing people and developed strong friendships. Starlite Express meets zero period at 6:25 a.m. every morning, and I probably won't miss having to get up so early to get to school; but I will definitely miss everything else about being in Choir. It's been an amazing four years that I will always remember and be thankful for!"

K.T. Nelson is a member of Starlite Express and Women's Ensemble. "There has been a lûot more student involvement in the creating of "Ritz" than in past years," she says. "I have come to truly appreciate all the effort everyone puts in to making this show what it is. It's my final choir performance of high school and I am going to have fun!"