Before beginning his magic show at the auditions for the upcoming American River College production “Gumbo,” ARC student Spencer Murrish said the one thing he learned in college was that girls love a guy who has a “big deck.”
“Gumbo,” a show featuring performers who can audition with any talent, be it magic, acting, singing, dancing or any variety of acts, will be co-directed by ARC professor Sam Williams and his daughter, Sarah Williams.
Sarah Williams said “‘Gumbo’ is putting a lot of things together, and not knowing what will come out.”
Each audition had a person who was given two minutes to showcase their talent.
There was a variety of different acts that were presented at the auditions, including previous cast members from ARC’s recent production of “Young Frankenstein.”
Micah Smith, who played as Igor in “Frankenstein,” played a rendition of “Hallelujah,” a song originally written by Leonard Cohen.
“This is the fun part of the process. I will tune awkwardly in front of you,” Smith said before he began to play.
Angelina Steshenko, who played several roles in “Frankenstein,” pantomimed in her act.
Her act was called “Lumberjack on the Job.” Steshenko wore a mask that covered half of her face as she began to mime the act of cutting down a tree.
Chanel Charity sang the song “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette.
“It is my first time auditioning in a long time,” Charity said. “Let’s see how it goes, but more so I just want to test my skills again to see if I can do it again.”
She further said that those involved will not know what the show will be about until the show is ready to be presented.
“We had to take a year off,” Sam Williams said. “It was so rewarding that we get to do it again.”
“Gumbo” is used as a fundraiser for ARC theater students who are participating in the upcoming Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, which will be held at Northern Washington University.
William’s personal goal is to raise $2000 throughout the production.
“Gumbo” will be performed at ARC on Dec. 12, 13 and 14.
