Tranquility and a Night to Remember

By Catherine Tyson-Sewell

Photographs by David Goddard

It was a spectacular showcase of talented young people from all corners of the Cayman Islands.  It was a night that left you in awe.  It was none other than the Talent Xposition of the Arts under the guidance of JC Connor, the man behind this amazing brain child for our talented young people in the field of arts in the Cayman Islands.  Not one to make a fuss or have a fuss made of him, Cayman’s son of the soil, JC deserves all of his flowers for putting on this spectacular showcase, now in its 23rd year. 

With the backdrop of the Harquail Theatre and the assistance of Sophie Conolly, the stars all aligned to bring down the house on Sunday night.  With the talent that was displayed, it is obvious that a lot of work is done throughout the year in identifying these acts that ranged from soloists, musicians, actors and seasoned performers and they did not disappoint.  Hosted by Anikka Conolly and Lloyd Barker, who bravely performed a Josh Groban number, the evening was filled with show stopping moments, from the opening act to when the curtains closed.  The incomparable Monica Lawrence, who has been with the program since the beginning did not disappoint with The UCCI Dance Company that she has directed for over 14 plus years. They sang and danced and gave us performances reminiscent of Broadway productions.  One of those productions featured the talented Colindra-Rodericka that gave a performance of Stand Up from the movie Harriet (Tubman) that deserved a standing ovation.  Rounding it all out with our very own recording artist Rico Rolando with his latest single Something in the Water, literally there were no crumbs left as every single performer ate down in the Harquail Theatre! 

Consistent themes kept popping up throughout each performance and to say that this show was the best one yet is an understatement! The audience also played an integral part of the evening with their animated appreciation for all of the numbers, which helped the performers to bring their best and bring it they did.  From Caitlin Tyson with her perfect pitch number from the Musical Anastasia, In My Dreams, and Abby Jervis and Saraia Moore, from the Cayman Music School, with the riveting renditions of Not for the Life of Me and I know where I’ve Been, Musical Theatre was alive and well represented in the Cayman Islands on this enchanted night in the tropics. Even the Brac was represented with their very own Madam Nirosa and her sultry voice singing Ain’t No Way.

The performers were first class acts and just too many to mention everyone!  A few honorable mentions were Yohan Fitzgerald, along with his guitar, who gave us that John Legend feeling and Teodoro who has literally grown up on stage, debuted his original ballad Silver Lining.   Dreamchasers chased, Martinez Tribe cried, 345 dancers hopped and Jimmeh the Boss panned but Centrepoint, Centerpoint, Centerpoint hipped and hopped and danced and pranced and left us with our mouths agape at what must be happening over in those studios.   Kudos and hats off to all of the teachers including Radiance Dance Studio and CINDC with their uber talented performances.  These schools spend the time with their young people in mentoring roles and hours of training goes in to achieve these results that unfolded on the stage for the 23rd year of The Talent Xposition of the Arts. Needless to say that a good time was had by all. If you missed it, then you sure did miss something. 

Listening to the spirited audience who laughed, danced and sang along to the old songs, it was obvious that every emotion was felt from all of the talented performers who were absolutely stupendous! The only regret was that it ended and that there was not an encore performance the next day or next weekend because these young people deserved another chance to show what they got!  And a show they certainly gave us.  Congratulations and thanks to JC Connor for a successful evening and for giving us Tranquility.  There is nothing compared to a show of this magnitude on island, with so much talent from our young people being showcased and has been consistently a staple in our community.  We now wait with bated breath for another chance to see these young people in action and hope it comes sooner than a year from now.