THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, March 22, 2024 Page 11 Malden High’s 84th Junior Varieties Show: ‘Late Night with Barbie’ One of the longest-running high school talent shows in the nation rules the weekend in this city By Steve Freker O ne of the most popular events in Malden High School and city history never disappoints and each year, the same can be said: What a show! This past weekend the 84th Annual MHS Junior Varieties talent show was held in the venerable Jenkins Auditorium at Malden High and once again, it was two evenings to remember. "Late Night with Barbie" was the theme of the evening and pink was the operative color, and there were no less than four "Barbies" and two "Kens" as the hosts. The four Barbies including Addison McWayne as "Cowgirl Barbie," Darian O'Brien as "Doctor Barbie," Ollie Dodge as "Rockstar Barbie," and (back right) Sophie Leblanc as "just" Barbie. Gordon Zeng and Derek Lam were tremendous as the two "Kens". Vocal acts, dance troupes and musical performances by three rock bands, a fabulous piano performance and combined vocal and instrumental efforts combined for a fantastic mix. Malden High School educators Courtney Braz and Bob Grinnell are the advisors of the junior Class of 2025 at MHS with dozens of members of the junior class who have worked for several months to prepare and then put on this event. The Junior Varieties show is THE biggest fundraiser for the Junior Class each year, which works for four years to raise to help defray the cost of the Senior Prom in their senior year. "This was a great show, one of the best ever, and all of those who worked so hard to plan and then coordinate the performances— from on stage performers, to back stage help, the advisors— anyone and everyone who contributed their time and effort, deserve a huge congratulations," said Malden High seventh year Principal Chris Mastrangelo, "Hats off to everyone. It was a fantastic show and weekend for our school." The “Kens” were hilarious in “Late Night with Barbie” – at right is Ken #1 (Gordon Zeng) and at left is Ken #2 (Derek Lam). Erikah Macharia led the way in several of the dance group numbers. Kimberlee Smith sings “The Grudge” by Olivia Rodrigo. S arah Machado sings “Desafinado” by João Gilberto and Stan Getz. Kayla Ortiz sings “Without You” by Mariah Carey. Afro-Caribbean Dance Team shows of some of their moves. (Advocate Photos/Henry Huang) Framing up a pair of big smiles at Junior Varieties. The Baby Powder lead singer sings “From the Start” by Laufey. Lead guitarist Sean Retotal of Bottom Bunk crushes it during its rendition of “Santeria” by Sublime. The talented troupe GALAXC dances to “Mago” by GFRIEND. G u i ta r i s t The A-O Step Team wowed the crowd with their unique and stylish performance. Fan support from Edward, Nicholas and Jonathan at Junior Varieties Lead singer Brian Vences, of the rock band Bottom Bunk, sings “Santeria” by Sublime. r o ck ba n d Aromatherapy – Nathan Morelli – jams out to “Bags” by Clairo.
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