FEBRUARY 25, 1994 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE 11

ENTERTAINMENT

Performers outshine tech problems at Variety Show

by Faith Klasek

Organizers estimate that 1,500 women attended Oven Productions' 19th Annual Womyn's Variety Show. The Variety Show, Oven's biggest fundraiser, was held at the Civic's Great Hall on February 13.

Although technical difficulties often upstaged acts, the volunteer performers and technical crew admirably coaxed the show to completion. According to Oven member Marcia Sindelar, the almost chronic sound problems were the result of struggles with a new, sophisticated sound system.

many women. Smokers gathered at a downstairs party room where smoking was permitted, but usually briefly, returning to join the women at the main party room. As always, the party contributed to what is for many people the biggest draw of this popular event a place to gather, dance, visit old friends, celebrate our culture, laugh, hold each other, and even comfortably wear an ill-fitting tuxedo if you like.

Oven Productions thanks all of the women of the community who supported the Variety Show, especially the former members of Oven who continue to play a role in the production. "There's a core of women who are committed to the Variety Show. They're there every year, and we're thankful for their support."

KATHLEEN SULLIVAN

Heather Andres performing the "Dance of the Erotic" at the 19th Annual Womyn's Variety Show.

In many instances, memorable performances managed to triumph over technical set-backs. According to Oven, a survey of women in attendance found "Eve Was Framed" (a musical performance by Tina, Mary, Khalei, Terry, Phyll, and Tina) to be this year's favorite act. In the first few minutes of "Eve Was Framed" sound checks melded with a haunting introduction to produce the rather eerie effect of a performance piece about cordless microphone failure. The patient performers managed to wade through difficulty as the technical crew worked to correct the problem. As with many acts, the momentum of an obviously well-rehearsed piece was initially slowed, but the merit of the performers shone clearly through.

In some cases, unwanted challenges pro-

vided for the evening's most memorable and humorous performances. Marcia Sindelar launched powerfully into her version of "Crying" several times before an untuned guitar and an out-of-synch electronic accompaniment were corrected. Outwardly unfazed, as KJ tuned her guitar Marcia worked the crowd. With her laidback delivery and showmanship, Marcia good-naturedly turned a potentially painful

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introduction into a humorous interlude. "So," she paused. "How y'all doing tonight? Ya seeing anyone? Is she here? Maybe I'll try out for MC next year." Marcia spoke of her performance later saying, “That's like your worst nightmare when you go on stage and something goes wrong. I thought, 'Oh well, I'll just have to wing it.'

This year's post-show party was smokefree, a welcome response to the requests of

Planning for next year's Variety Show is already under way. Oven welcomes the support of new women, as well as those who have contributed throughout the Variety Show's 19-year history. If you would like to be part of next year's 20th anniversary performance, contact Oven Productions at 321-7799.

LAWYERS THAT CARE

"Jim Brown and Marcia Margolius handled my claim as if I was the most important client they had. They were not only my lawyers but my friends." G.I.

"Without Marcia Margolius I would have never won my claim for SSI. Now I get some money every month and my medical bills paid." R.P.

"I didn't know that you could get Social Security and Workers' Compensation at the same time until I retained Brown and Margolius. With Comp and Social Security I had coverage for all of my medical bills." B.B.

"When it comes to disability benefits, no one can get you every penny you deserve better than Marcia Margolius and Jim Brown." J.S.

"When Jim Brown won my Workers' Compensation claim all of my medical bills were paid, I was compensated for my time off work and I even received money after I returned to work." LP.

If you or your friends have Social Security or Workers' Compensation questions, have them call the people with the answers.

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