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The Villages
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Villages performers team up in benefit for Sozo Kids

“Love and Marriage” was a show filled with singing, dancing, laughter and music Monday night at Savannah Center.
The performers were up to the task of revealing the joy, pain, romance and heartbreak that happens when love hits you square in the heart.
Carolyn Hoffman and Alex Scopino teamed up for some stirring sounds.
Phil Caltabellotta blew a hot harmonica all night long.
Bill Krone and Phyllis Kalter cracked jokes.
Watch video of the show here:

Billie Thatcher was in a sailing mood.
Billie Thatcher was in a sailing mood.

Bonnie Williams and Billie Thatcher wowed the crowd with musical shenanigans.
But this night meant more than entertainment. The Smash Productions’ event raised money for Sozo Kids to help the at-risk children growing up in poverty in the Ocala National Forest.
Brandon Fernandez, 20, was one of them.
A couple of years ago he was homeless and lacked direction in his life. Now, thanks to help from the Sozo Kids (aka the Help Agency) and others, he is a college student at the University of Central Florida studying physical therapy.

Chris Bolus and Carolyn Hoffman team up for a duet on "One Hand One Heart."
Chris Bolus and Carolyn Hoffman team up for a duet on “One Hand One Heart.”


“My life has changed,” Fernandez said Monday. “The biggest change is having a family that cares about me. They have helped me get into college and have a new life.”

Pastor David Hauck, left, of Sozo Kids with Brandon Fernandez, center, and Pastor Don Sisk.
Pastor David Hauck, left, of Sozo Kids with Brandon Fernandez, center, and Pastor Don Sisk.

Pastor David Hauck, CEO and founder of Sozo Kids was in the audience along with Pastor Don Sisk, chief operating officer of the organization. Sozo helps thousands of needy children year round.
“Pastor David and I grew up in the Ocala National Forest; we know what it means,” Don Sisk said. “We’re trying to break the cycle of poverty and suffering. We want these kids of have a chance at a better life.”
“It’s a generational thing for families,” Hauck said. “We want to show these young people they can find another way and do better. People in The Villages have been very supportive. They care about these kids and want to help us.”
“Love and Marriage” was an entertaining way to do just that.

Bonnie Williams sings the bridesmaid blues.
Bonnie Williams sings the bridesmaid blues.

Bill Davis set a sparkling mood on “You Make Me Feel So Young.” Sally Spieth made like Lucy from “Peanuts” as she reclined on a piano played by Kevin O’Connell and sang “Schroeder.” Spieth then sported a hot pink gown while adding some spice to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.”

Chris Bolus offered a heartfelt “If Ever I Would Leave You,” from “Camelot.”
Then Bonnie Williams took over.
Williams is one of those Villages’ performers who always creates electricity on stage and captures an audience. She is provocatively funny but can also belt out a tune.

The Aloha 'O Ka Hula Dance Troupe has some fun.
The Aloha ‘O Ka Hula Dance Troupe has some fun.

Williams did both on Monday. She had the audience laughing out loud with her take on “Always A Bridesmaid.” Later, Williams turned serious with a cover of the Judy Garland standard, “The Man That Got Away,” and it was one of the most powerful performances of the night.
Billie Thatcher, like Williams, is a master at making a song her own. She wore a white sailor outfit and danced around the stage singing “A Wonderful Guy.”
Bob Stehman showed some classy vocal chops on “It Had to be You” and “On The Street Where You Live.”

Bob Stehman sings "It Had to Be You."
Bob Stehman sings “It Had to Be You.”

Phil Caltabellotta took the harmonica to new heights on a bluesy “My Funny Valentine” and teamed with the Kevin O’Connell Trio on “There Will Never Be Another You.”
Carolyn Hoffman displayed her versatility throughout the evening. She teamed with Chris Bolus for a rousing and operatic, “One Hand, One Heart.”
Then Hoffman and Sally Spieth sang a moving “A Boy Like That” from West Side Story. Later, Hoffman was up to another duet with Alex Scopino on “I’ll Know.”
Scopino had a chance to showcase his booming voice on “That Nearly Was Mine.”
Roy Bill is known for his work with various rock bands in The Villages but he revealed a tender side on “More I Cannot Wish You,” with elegant dance moves by Laurie Scheben.
 
The Aloha ‘O Ka Hula Dance Troupe was in tropical island form on a pair of numbers: “Hula-Holoholo Ka’a” and “My Yellow Ginger Lei.”


  

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