Photos, Part 2: The benefit concert:
The singers performed pop songs by Whitney Houston, Kenny Loggins and Kristin Chenoweth; numbers from Broadway musicals including “Les Miserables,” “Jekyll and Hyde,” “Sweeney Todd,” “The Man of La Mancha,” “Always, Patsy Cline” and others; an original song written by Mitch Samu; and spirituals. All photos by John Moore for www.CultureWest.Org.
Mitch and Kristen Samu make backstage musical preparations.
Megan Van De Hey rehearses “I Dreamed a Dream,” from “Les Miserables.” She also sang “Through the Eyes of a Child” from “Always … Patsy Cline.”
Joanie Brosseau smiles that smile.
Sarah Rex and Ryan Belinak before the concert.
Nathan Bordas, who turns 4 next month, was given the choice to play in the church’s play room or listen to the music. “I want the music,” he said.
Colin Hearn sang “Love Changes Everything” and “Bring Him Home.”
Barry Brown sang “Nothing’s Gonna Harm You” and Kenny Loggins’ “Forever.”
Joanie Brosseau sang “Taylor the Latte Boy” and “Meadowlark.”
Ryan Belinak sang “This is the Moment” and “Have I Ever Told You” (by Mitch Samu).
At the intermission, Mitch Samu for the first time met the woman all his hard work is benefiting, Shelly Bordas.
The inspirational speaker was Columbine United Church pastor, Steve Poos-Benson.
After Sarah Rex sang Whitney Houston’s “The Greatest Love of All,” Shelly Bordas came up from the crowd to give Rex a hug. Rex and Bordas performed together in the Arvada Center’s children’s production of “Stuart Little.” Rex later sang “And I am Telling You,” from “Dreamgirls,” below.
Thddeus Valdez sang “The Impossible Dream” and “Stars.”
Kristen Samu sang “Somewhere That’s Green” and “Lost and Found.”
The performers met friends, strangers and, above, members of Shelly Bordas’ extended family in the exiting receiving line after a heartfelt and successful evening.
