Tangos, self-described ‘bubbly songs’ and piano concertos, filled the Commons despite the early winter snowstorm. Many turned out to see Shorewood Intermediate School students strut their stuff in the seventh annual Show Circle talent show.  The theme this year, “Unwritten,” borrowed from the Natasha Bedingfield song, featured each performance as a new chapter in the students’ lives.

These eighteen chapters were “written” during the evening dominated by vocal performances, beginning with a sweet rendition of “Stand by You” by Angie Sperry and Cassidy Gorham. Monty Python skits, performed by Jonathan Hewitt and Spencer Lipo-Zovic, offered comic relief throughout. Dance performances included a tango, Irish dance and hip-hop’s “Kiss, Kiss.”  Adding diversity to the evening was a piano waltz, a sex-ed monologue, and gymnastics display. The rock band “Viewers like You” demanded attention, cranking out “Under the Bridge” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

“I would like to give them (the audience) more diversity in acts so that the diversity of talents at our school is represented,” said Maripat Wilkinson, director of Show Circle for seven years. She went on to say, “I’d like more and more students to take advantage of the opportunity to be in it.”

Overall, those taking the opportunity had good things to say about their experience. Referring to the upcoming SIS play, Ladees Tayem, a seventh-grade flutist, said “Now I can do Willy Wonka, because before Show Circle I was really shy.”

Most said show circle gave them an outlet to do what they loved.

“I love acting. I want to do a career of acting,” said Drew Antle, seventh grader.

Show circle also sparked interest in performing at the high school.

“I’m planning on doing it (high school performances). I’m going to drop band and pick up drama,” Hewitt said.

For those that missed the December performances, there’s a likely chance you’ll be seeing talent from the same students when they enter high school. “I know I’m gonna do Showcase. Show Circle was really fun and if anyone’s thinking about doing it in the future, I’d highly recommend it,” Lipo-Zovic said.