Scouts to stage 89th annual gang show in Derby

 

In 2012 Scout Gang Show Cub Scouts from Pack 3 Derby performed “It’s a Small World” with Troop 3 Scout Joe Szewczyk. / Contributed photo

DERBY - The more than 100 members of Housatonic Council Cub Scout Pack 3, Boy Scout Troop 3 and Venture Crew 33 will present their 89th Annual Scout Gang Show at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Derby United Methodist Church.

The historic church is at the corner of Fifth and Elizabeth streets, across from the Green.


Part old-time minstrel, vaudeville, and variety show, the world’s longest running show of its kind has been performed by the Derby scouts annually since 1922 (shows weren’t performed for two years during World War II).
Although the Derby show is the only one performed in the United States, Scout Gang

Shows are performed by Scout groups throughout the United Kingdom and former British colonies. The Glasgow, Scotland Scout Gang Show has been performed since 1936.

Highlights of this year’s “That’s Entertainment” themed show include “Willkommen” by Troop 3 Senior Patrol Leader and chorus director Matthew Moran, “Make Em Laugh” by Cub Jackson Kellogg and “Born to Be Wild” by Scout James Chopak.
Director and interlocutor for the show is Troop 3 Scoutmaster Randy Ritter and piano accompaniment is provided by Jeremey Lombard.
Lighting and sound are under the direction of Assistant Scoutmaster John Spinetti.

“The Scout Gang Show strengthens the relationship between our pack, troop and crew families and continues to give our scouts the opportunity to gain self confidence while learning the music from America’s past,” said Ritter, who has been directing the show for 19 years.

Award-winning stage and screen performer Brian Dennehy and Center Stage director Gary Scarpa of Shelton are among the Scouting alumni who performed in the show as youths under the direction of the late Scouting pioneer Edmund D. Strang.

The “Endmen” or joke tellers for the show include Troop 3 and Crew 33 members Neeraj Madivala, Steven Tracz, Andrew Devine, Billy Kowarik, Michael McMahon, Dominic Livoti, Aron Zamfino and Colby McLiverty.
“Stooges” performing run-on skits for the show are David Ahearn, Mike Neuendorf, John Murray, Matt Edwards and Justin Patton.
The Stooges are under the direction of Rodman Kneen, Sr. who has been involved with the show for 81 years, having first performed as a Cub in the 1932 show.

Special guests include Sarah Widomski, Derby High School student and “Derby Idol” winner Sara Poppa, and Troop 3 Committeeman and former Mayor of Derby, Marc Garofalo.

Tickets are available for $7 from Pack 3, Troop 3 and Crew 33 Scouts, or by calling 203-732-0343. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.

Proceeds from the show assist Sscouts in attending Housatonic Cub Scout Day Camp, Boy Scout Summer Camp at the Edmund D. Strang Scout Reservation in Goshen and Housatonic Council Scouts attending the 2013 National Scout Jamboree.


 This post is taken from a press release.