by Sami Riley

 The latest installment of The Eye of the Storm Productions, Copacabana, has Calvert County singing “Sweet heaven! I’m in love again!” The show opened on March 20^th with high energy, and even higher expectations, for their reputation has set a standard for stellar shows and astounding performances. And Copacabana was no disappointment. It begins with Stephen (Senior Schuyler Milham ) as an aspiring songwriter, whose flame has been somewhat extinguished for his wife, a mystery woman behind a shower curtain. As he’s trying to put together the pieces of a tune the audience knows well, Copacabana (originally recorded by Barry Manilow), the audience is taken into the land of his aspiring musical: New York City, 1940s, where The Copacabana Night Club is the hottest spot, and the Copa Girls run the city. Here is where we meet Lola (Senior Hannah Stone), a spunky hopeful Copa Girl from Oklahoma. The remainder contains laughs, violence, thugs, and of course, love. The play comes full circle when, in the conclusion, Stephen finds that his inspiration came from his wife the entire time, and their love is rekindled.

Copacabana, as with all Eye of the Storm Productions, featured a five-star cast. Stone and Milham, who held the lead roles, had great chemistry, were excellent compliments to each other during duets, and were compelling as double characters. Junior Ariana Ramos shined as Conchita Alvarez, an aging star who has been abused by the gangster, Rico Castelli (Junior Peter Merski). Even though they were not the leading roles, Junior Julie Schrader and Sophomore Paul America were solid supporting characters. Schrader lit up the stage with a beautiful voice and immense acting abilities, while America kept the audience rolling with laughter with his portrayal of the unsung “hero”, Sam Silver. Adding to the already aesthetically pleasing set, the chorus decorated the stage with synchronized dances and additional talented voices.

Compared to  previous productions, Copacabana appealed more to the illusory senses; it also offered a type of “show within a show”, which was a risky move, but it paid off immensely. With help from the set and convincing characters, this ruse was a success.

Eye of the Storm Productions has the reputation to put on, not only shows, but spectacles, and with the latest installment of Copacabana, they have honored their expectations.