Court to bring ‘Apollo’ to campus

They think they’ve got what it takes, but on Wednesday night, their talent will either be applauded and praised – or they will be booed to shame.

It is showtime and because some of the Rattlers cannot make it to the Apollo in New York, Lee Hall will have to do.

The FAMU Royal Court will host the University’s version of “Showtime at the Apollo,” where students will test their skills in front of a special live audience – their peers. The show is scheduled to begin Wednesday night at 7 p.m.

Much like the nationally famed show, the showcase will allow the audience to choose who gets to rule the stage or who will be swept off by a show of applause or, regretfully, a collection of boos.

The show will have over 10 acts and a feature guest performance.

Mr. FAMU, Ryan Morand, said he came up with the idea because he felt it would be something the students would enjoy.

“I felt the students would find the event exciting and on top of that, it would highlight the many talents on campus,” said the fourth-year MBA student from Tampa.

Co-sponsors of the event are the freshman class, the Student Senate and PROACTIVE.

Morand said all of the organizations contributed to putting together the event from assisting with financial obligations to holding auditions for contestants participating in the show.

Freshman Class Vice President James Bland said he is looking forward to Wednesday night’s talent competition.

“It’s going to be a great show with entertainment like you’ve never seen before,” said the freshman business administration student from Titusville.

The talent may have been impressive enough to get through auditions, but students may not be as receptive. FAMU students are not the easiest crowd to please – they are known for sending performers off stage during other similar events such as the Homecoming talent show.

However, Morand said “Showtime at the Apollo” will stand out from the others.

“I felt that there were many talent shows on campus but they did not vary in appeal. I wanted to change the excitement in a talent showcase,” he said.

Acts in the show will include dance and vocal talent.

A special guest performance will come from Genleah Crawford, who has performed at the 2003 Atlanta Classic and at many of FAMU’s convocations.

Crawford is best known for her renditions of “Order My Steps” and “Praise is What I Do.”

No stranger to the stage, Crawford is positive she will not be receiving any disapproval from the audience.

“Oh, no I’m not afraid,” she said.

Morand guarantees the show is going to be one of the most exciting students have seen and the Freshman Class promises a surprise that you do not want to miss.

There is one more thing students have to look forward to and that is getting in the show free, compliments of Mr. FAMU.

“I wanted the show to be free for the students. There are too many events that require an entrance fee, and I wanted to ensure that every showcase I started on the campus was free for students,” he said.

Students can obtain tickets from The Set ticket booth on the day of show from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a license or a Rattler Card.

Contact Tiffany Pitts at pittstiffany@hotmail.com