Other new music first introduced at the group’s January New York City Showcase included “Boogie Shoes” danced and sung by Michael Egan, “Mercy” featuring EY’s Callie Liljeberg, Daughtry’s “Home” performed by Dan Harcourt, and a Michael Jackson Medley customized for EY by choreographer Jenny Oliver. New theatrical repertoire for 2010 includes “Raise the Roof” from the musical The Wild Party sung by Catherine Weiss and “Mambo Italiano” featuring EY’s youngest member Ali Funkhouser.  The crowd reacted enthusiastically for every member of Electric Youth 2010 which includes Matt Duhamel, Corinne Falotico, Emily Harrington, Erica McLaughlin, Kerryn Reeve, Samantha Terranova and Sammi Vita. Several dance features highlighted EY Dance Captain Ali McCurdy.

 

Electric Youth presented many of the group’s standards including “Mony, Mony”, and “Dream On”, rocked this year by Katie Ryan. Senior Jacquie Hurley led the restaging of the group’s popular Beatles’ Across the Universe Medley and Meghan Dean was the featured vocalist on Christina Aguiliera’s “Beautiful.” Following EY’s signature Eighties Medley with rock vocals that included soloist Galen Hancock, the crowd demanded two encores. Electric Youth responded with “You Can’t Stop the Beat” from Hairspray and they closed the night with the crowd favorite “Shout”, commanded by Jill Gleason.

 

EY’s band of Boston-based pros includes director Raye Lynn Mercer on piano, Kenny Hadley on drums, arranger Mark Poniatowski on Bass and guitarist Mark White. The horn section features Arnie Krakowsky on tenor sax, Jeff Hoyer on trombone, Walter Platt on trumpet and Ken Reid on bari sax.

 

The Creative Team for Electric Youth is led by director Raye Lynn Mercer and vocal director Hallie Wetzell. Technical director is Nick Paone assisted by Kellie Stamp with audio under the direction of Derek Pisano. Electric Youth’s 2010 program showcases the work of seven choreographers including Kellie Stamp, Raye Lynn Mercer, Cheryl Abbott, Nick Paone, Jenny Oliver, Jaclyn Thompson and Clyde Nantais. Instrumental arrangements are under the direction of Mark Poniatowski.

 

The wonderful sound experienced at Showcase Live was enhanced by the new Shure microphone system made possible for EY by a gift from the Egan Family Foundation!

 

The all-new Electric Youth Fan Club enjoyed special section seating at Showcase Live and a backstage meet-and-greet with EY. Official autograph books donated by Wendy Jones were enjoyed by the Fan Club’s first fifty members. The first winner of the Fan Club raffle was Emma Sbordon, who enjoyed spending the afternoon with Electric Youth during the pre-show preparations, rehearsal and sound check.

 

There is one more chance to see Electric Youth before they depart on the 2010 European Tour. Electric Youth – Past, Present and Future will be staged on Sunday, May 23rd at the beautiful Mechanics Hall in Worcester. The show will include Future Shock and EY Alumni. Tickets go on sale April 1st!!