“Warrior Mama” emerges triumphant
Photos by Melissa Brown
The race to fight cancer last Saturday may have ended after the Susan G. Komen finish line, but that did not stop several students from turning up at the Mondanaro Theater later that night to show their support. “Warrior Mama” was a benefit concert created and produced by fourth-year Performing Arts major Caitlin McCormick for both her senior thesis and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Before the show started, there was a silent auction at the entrance of Crites Hall. Guests bid on a variety of prizes such as private yoga with April Hayes, a Starbucks coffee and mug, and even a special serenade performed by the cast of “Warrior Mama.” The funds collected will be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
This particular project hit home for McCormick, whose mother was diagnosed with leukemia this past November. “My mother inspired the show,” she explained. “She showed more courage, more strength, and more humor in unbelievable circumstances.”
The concert, which was directed by Mary-E Godfrey, featured songs of empowerment and hope such as “Roar,” “Won’t Give Up,” and “When You Believe.” The audience clapped their way through almost every song and whispered in awe especially during solos by performing arts major Nate Myles. The microphones could not handle the singers’ vocal power and kept failing throughout the show, which left guests unable to hear some of their talent.
Although some of the songs were emotional, the sketches written by Amy White lightened the mood. The audience was left in stitches as they watched several cast members pretend to audition for a part in the concert by switching the lyrics of the songs to put more emphasis on fighting cancer. One sketch even had leukemia as an actual villain named Luke Emia, who was eventually defeated by Che-Che Motherapy.
Throughout the show, MC Blythe Beard-Kitowski kept the
audience updated with the winners of the silent auction and proudly announced they raised $531. She also encouraged them to continue donating to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s website.
Before the finale, McCormick went onstage to thank her parents, peers and professors for their support. She also thanked her “unbelievable cast” for helping her bring this project to life, which “shows what we are capable of doing as human beings.” One thing she said she hoped audiences take from her concert was that “you all can be warrior mamas … and papas!”
For more information about Warrior Mama and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, visit their website.
