Maine West showcasing student diversity in annual ‘West’s Got Talent’ variety show
Maine West High School present its annual variety show, “West’s Got Talent,” at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Nov. 12-13, in the high school auditorium, 1755 S. Wolf Road in Des Plaines. Tickets, which are $12 or $7 for students, may be purchased online at mwfinearts.ludus.com or at the door.
Attendees will experience an array of student talents, including guitar solos, cultural and lyrical dances, vocal acts, and Maine West’s very own Orchestra Pit. Students have been rehearsing since mid-September to perfect their individual acts.
“Each act is expected to attend two to three rehearsals to refine and polish their performance,” said David Harmon, Maine West fine arts teacher and show director. “One of the acts I’m most excited about involves a Rubik’s Cube challenge, where a student will attempt to solve the puzzle in under a minute. When you add the dramatic lighting, fog and an iconic rock ballad, it’s very cool to watch.”
This year’s lineup also includes a wide array of cultural acts that will be featured on the Maine West Stage. Indian dance group Desi Dhamaka and Maine West’s Mariachi Band are among several cultural performances to be featured this year.
Maine West 12th-grader and co-captain of Desi Dhamaka Alicia Koladyil agrees that “West’s Got Talent” is an opportunity for West to shine a light on its rich diversity.
“It feels amazing to feature something so culturally significant to those of us who grew up learning Indian dance,” Koladyil said. “We are also excited to show everyone a variety of different styles with a unique twist to it as well!”
“West’s Got Talent” is one of the most highly anticipated fine arts events of Maine West’s fall season and is appropriate for audiences of all ages.
With close to 30 acts, this year’s show has something for everyone. Maine West is excited for guests to join them for an entertaining evening and to witness the array of amazing talent and cultures the school has to offer.
“We want ‘West’s Got Talent’ to be an all-school event that features all of our students; not just the actors and musicians that are used to being on stage,” Harmon said. “West is an inclusive community with a rich diversity of cultures and traditions, we want to make sure our talent show reflects that.”