Capitol Theatre To Host Linsly Extravaganza Friday Night
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A new guard will be "continuing the legacy" when the 84th Annual Linsly Extravaganza takes the stage Friday night.
The event is set for 8 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre, and there is new leadership at the helm.
Erin Bond, in her first year as a choir teacher at the school, takes over as director and choreographer for the extravaganza. Kathryn Holt, a 2017 Linsly graduate, is the producer.
They succeed longtime director and choreographer Greta Foose and co-director Kelly Solonika, who both retired last year.
The theme of this year's performance is "Continuing the Legacy," with promises to continue to the Linsly Extravaganza long into the future, according to Bond.
Bond is a graduate of John Marshall High School who went on to graduate from the University of Mississippi. She has performed in New York City, Walt Disney World, and on cruise ships and in regional theater in several cities. She has been a professional actor, director, choreographer, writer and teacher for two decades.
Bond relocated to the Ohio Valley to be close to family, and was told of the retirements and job openings at Linsly by a friend.
"It has been wonderful," she said. "I am the choir teacher. I know my choir students, but I didn't know the others until they started rehearsals for the extravaganza.
"I got to know their personalities, and I got to know them and become part of the Linsly family."
The extravaganza is "a wonderful tradition," Bond continued.
"And I take it seriously. I understand the legacy and the heritage," she said. "I want to make the school proud, and I want to make sure the alumni, teachers and parents are all pleased."
Bond explained she made a conscious decision "to not change things" with the extravaganza, but still to put her own mark on the show.
"I like Broadway musicals, color and things that pull at your heartstrings," she said.
Bond added she was both grateful and lucky to have had conversations with both Foose and Solonika about the extravaganza, as they had been "running it for a long time."
"I wanted to jump in and carry it on, but I also wanted to do what my strengths are, as well," Bond said. "They have been gracious with time and advice.
"It will be a joyous show. People will want to sing along to some of the acts they see. I hope there will be laughter. I want people to walk away and go, 'Wow, I will remember that.'"