"Colby on Stage," performed Friday and Saturday evenings during Family Homecoming weekend, did a wonderful job giving students and their families a snapshot of the arts at Colby. Though only a half-hour in duration, the four performing groups managed to showcase previous productions and allow a glimpse of what to expect for the 2009-10 season. Both theater and dance programs put together short pieces to display the plethora of artistic opportunities at the college.

Master of Ceremonies Andy Bolduc '10 set the tone for the night with his contagious enthusiasm and humorous wit. His ability to engage the audience was helpful in connecting the assorted groups. "Oh, I thought it was a gas leak," Bolduc announced at the Friday evening show as one audience member turned off his sounding cell phone in respect for the upcoming performance. This was merely one of the many occasions when the Master of Ceremonies managed to produce laughter from the crowd. With a lighthearted spirit that prevailed throughout the show, families and their Colby students were able to enjoy a unique array of artistic productions, while still allowing them time to partake in the numerous other events planned for the weekend.

"Powder & Wig," the student theater company, performed first, setting a high standard for the routines following. They continued to be a crowd-pleaser, with highlights from last weekend's student-run performance of "Grease." With top roles filled by freshmen, they proved the strength of the company for years to come. Performing "Grease Lightning," parents and students were thrilled by the combination of comedy and devotion the actors possessed. The Colby Dancers had their debut for the school year, previewing the fall show with a dance to Chicago's "All That Jazz" with choreography by Emma Gildesgame '10. The contrast from humor to professional sass beautifully highlighted the spectrum of the arts program. Following, Broadway Musical Review presented their incredibly talented singers and some newly-inducted first-year members-Lindsay Garrard, Mary Randall, Abby Crocker-in "Finale B" from the Pulitzer Prize winning musical, Rent. Concluding the show, the Colby Hipnotik Dance Team impressed students and parents alike with their high intensity and flawless synchronization to "Electric City/Evacuate the Dance Floor." Despite the selective size of four members, the dance showcased their remarkable skill and synergy. Choreography by Kelly Foss '10 and Saralin Davis '10 was appropriately spunky and energized to display their talents soon to be seen at athletic events. All in all, the performances managed to accurately depict the widespread theater and dance programs at Colby College. Students and parents were both entertained and informed through the Department of Theater and Dance's collection of the various theatrical samplings. Paired with the a cappella concert held later Friday evening in the chapel, families were surely stunned at the widespread talents and musicality found in Colby students.

Master of Ceremonies Andy Bolduc's welcoming direction for "no texting...that is, unless you're texting a friend to tell them to come to the show" should not be an issue. For a performance as informing and entertaining as this, word will surely spread faster than technology ever could.