Feeding an appetite for talent

Deirdre Newman

“What’s the best kind of cheesecake?” asked John Madison, as he

perused the variety of delectable confections prepared by Newport Harbor

High School students.

“They’re all good,” a student responded.

Madison spent another minute in studious contemplation before choosing

the Snickers flavor.

“Mmmmmmmmmm,” he raved as his eyes rolled upward in a heavenly gaze.

The cheesecake was just one of the many offerings presented at the

school’s Evening of the Arts on Wednesday. The event included

international cuisine, visual artwork and performances by the jazz band,

vocal ensemble and dance production.

“It’s a great showcase for the school because I think it shows our

depth of talent in visual and performing arts” Principal Michael Vossen

said. “It’s gaining in popularity because it’s starting to bring people

together in one focal point of the year.”

The culinary arts students started preparing for the event three weeks

in advance and continued up until the start of the event, then they

worked a seven-hour shift. But they didn’t seem to mind as people who

brought their voracious appetites came back for seconds and thirds. Even

professional chefs were impressed.

“As a Cajun chef, the quality and presentation is better than you

would find at most restaurants,” said Victor Vinson, who helps out with

the school’s cooking classes.

Freshman Jessica Chandler, who took a break from cooking to sing with

the school’s Ladies Ensemble, said she enjoyed being able to see the end

result of her efforts appreciated by so many.

“It’s a really good feeling of accomplishment to watch people enjoy

the food I made,” Jessica said.

Next door in the gym, the dance production team dazzled the audience

with a variety of numbers from ballet to a Chinese ribbon dance.

The performing arts presentations included individual performances and

a collection of scenes from “Chicago” and “Camelot,” which has won an

award at the Long Beach Theater Festival.

Cathy Bybee watched her daughter, Erin, sing the ballad “When You

Believe” from “The Prince of Egypt.”

“It’s wonderful,” Bybee said. “I’m very pleased that she enjoys

sharing her talent with other people. I think it’s one of the nicest

nights at the school because there are so many diverse kids here

supporting each other.”