Arts & Entertainment

No Swimsuit Number but Competition Will be Fierce for Mr. BHS

Eight high school juniors and seniors take the stage for the all-male talent competition this Friday.

Branford Patch’s recent host of of the Prom is at it again as showman of the annual Mr. BHS competition. Greg Nobile confides, as he prepares to take the stage as host of this Friday’s all-male talent contest, that he didn’t take home the title of Mr. BHS last year. When asked why he only received runner-up, Nobile said, “Mainly because the competition went above and beyond.”

Like most things that happen on the BHS stage (), very few acts are amateur. Nobile said that he descended on stage like "Mission Impossible" and then sang "Because We Believe" by Andrea Bocelli and that still didn’t get him the title. The competition, he tells, is fierce.

Six seniors and two juniors will compete (only 11th and 12th grade students can enter) for this year’s Mr. BHS crown and Branford Patch caught up with 12th grader, Cameron Brown late last week as he rehearsed his talent number.

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By his side, , who is orchestrating the talent show as Co-President of the Interact Club ( is also Co-President), readied Brown for the talent part of the competition. Watching YouTube clips of a famed dance number, Grimm, a longtime dancer, was taking inspiration and leading her partner. Brown, taking the routine very seriously, listened to her instruction intently.

As captain of the BHS soccer and sailing teams, Brown is physically fit for his dance number but when it comes to coordination, he confesses, “I have zero experience.”

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In good hands with BHS senior, Grimm, Brown will practice until the show with hopes to become the 2011 winner.

Though the competition will undoubtedly be comical, the event is a fundraising initiative by the Interact Club (the high school version of the ), which raised $3,000 last year. Half of the money this year will go to support The Connecticut Tumblers (CT Special Olympics Gymnastics) and half will be allocated to purchase a Shelter Box (a $1,000 supply kit) to be sent to Japan for relief.

Grimm, who said, “I have so many visions,” for the competition, will be organizing the themed event from entrance to curtain close. Though she’s keeping the theme a secret, Grimm shared that she has picked a pop celebrity for her muse and promises non-stop fun for all attendees for just $5. In addition to Grimm’s production and Nobile’s direction, the faculty band will also be providing live music for the event.

Those competing will be judged by a panel of 10 faculty members on entrance, formal wear and talent. The top five contestants who advance will also have to participate in a question-and-answer round.

Trying out his dancing shoes and working very hard to master a spin using both feet instead of one, Brown looked ready for his debut. When asked if he’d be wearing tights for the performance, he said a very confident, “No.”

If You Go
Mr. BHS

Friday, May 27
7 p.m.; $5 (at door)

Contestants

Cameron Brown, senior
Carl Dasigan, senior
Joe Flynn, senior
Kevin Gell, senior
Demarcus Thomas, senior
Justin Laudano, senior
Chris Marsala, junior
Matt White, junior


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