Post by admin on Oct 11, 2008 16:24:03 GMT -5
newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2008/1008/front_page/005.html
Acts asked to sign up for local 'gong show'
FREEHOLD — A little taste of the 1970s and 1980s will be coming to Freehold Borough at 6 p.m. Nov. 8 when Engine No. 1 of the Freehold Fire Department hosts "The Gong Show" at the Park Avenue Elementary School.
"The Gong Show" was a popular television show that spoofed variety programs by presenting an odd assortment of entertainers performing unusual acts. The worst acts were "gonged" by a panel of celebrity judges. The show's best known host was Chuck Barris.
Firefighter Sue Ann Derkach was looking for a fun way to raise funds for Engine No. 1 to help defray operating expenses. Her idea was to re-create "The Gong Show." Four lucky winners will split a total of $1,000 in prizes, which Derkach said will be divided as it was on "The Gong Show."
"In Chuck Barris' words, winners will receive 'the highly unusual amount of …' We will be giving out strange and odd amount prizes, too," she said.
Derkach will serve as the master of ceremonies and pay tribute to Barris by wearing a pastel tuxedo, ruffled shirt and wig.
The judges will be chosen from among the audience members through a raffle and taken backstage to sift through some really cool props to wear, according to Derkach.
Someone will also be chosen from the audience to act as a "jester" and to escort those who receive a "gong" off the stage. There will be 30 acts in the show. The maximum performance time is two minutes. The entry fee for an act is $30. Admission to the show will be $5 per person.
"It's first come, first served," Derkach said. "The first 30 approved acts get in, but the next five approved acts will be on standby in case one of the 30 approved acts cannot make it. In the event they don't get to compete, the five standby acts will still have the opportunity to perform while the judges tally up the scores."
"The Gong Show" is open to everyone, but performers are asked to keep their material G rated. An act may consist of more than one person, any age, and involve any kind of entertainment, including singing, dancing, magic, bands, comedy or skits.
"We want to engage the audience in this project and make it fun," Derkach said, adding that the event is being held through the generosity of The Basement Store, Manalapan. Music will be provided by DJ "Big D," David O'Brien, of Freehold Borough.
Anyone interested in participating in "The Gong Show" should stop by the Freehold Fire Department, Main Street, and pick up an application in the engine room. There are also forms for those who may be interested in advertising in the event's program. For more information, call 732-462-0164.
— Clare Marie Celano
Acts asked to sign up for local 'gong show'
FREEHOLD — A little taste of the 1970s and 1980s will be coming to Freehold Borough at 6 p.m. Nov. 8 when Engine No. 1 of the Freehold Fire Department hosts "The Gong Show" at the Park Avenue Elementary School.
"The Gong Show" was a popular television show that spoofed variety programs by presenting an odd assortment of entertainers performing unusual acts. The worst acts were "gonged" by a panel of celebrity judges. The show's best known host was Chuck Barris.
Firefighter Sue Ann Derkach was looking for a fun way to raise funds for Engine No. 1 to help defray operating expenses. Her idea was to re-create "The Gong Show." Four lucky winners will split a total of $1,000 in prizes, which Derkach said will be divided as it was on "The Gong Show."
"In Chuck Barris' words, winners will receive 'the highly unusual amount of …' We will be giving out strange and odd amount prizes, too," she said.
Derkach will serve as the master of ceremonies and pay tribute to Barris by wearing a pastel tuxedo, ruffled shirt and wig.
The judges will be chosen from among the audience members through a raffle and taken backstage to sift through some really cool props to wear, according to Derkach.
Someone will also be chosen from the audience to act as a "jester" and to escort those who receive a "gong" off the stage. There will be 30 acts in the show. The maximum performance time is two minutes. The entry fee for an act is $30. Admission to the show will be $5 per person.
"It's first come, first served," Derkach said. "The first 30 approved acts get in, but the next five approved acts will be on standby in case one of the 30 approved acts cannot make it. In the event they don't get to compete, the five standby acts will still have the opportunity to perform while the judges tally up the scores."
"The Gong Show" is open to everyone, but performers are asked to keep their material G rated. An act may consist of more than one person, any age, and involve any kind of entertainment, including singing, dancing, magic, bands, comedy or skits.
"We want to engage the audience in this project and make it fun," Derkach said, adding that the event is being held through the generosity of The Basement Store, Manalapan. Music will be provided by DJ "Big D," David O'Brien, of Freehold Borough.
Anyone interested in participating in "The Gong Show" should stop by the Freehold Fire Department, Main Street, and pick up an application in the engine room. There are also forms for those who may be interested in advertising in the event's program. For more information, call 732-462-0164.
— Clare Marie Celano
