THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, February 24, 1995 TAG: 9502220124
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ERIC FEBER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 77 lines
``PROM '95 Extravaganza,'' which will take place Monday in the Oscar F. Smith High School auditorium, will feature snazzy choreographed stage moves, pulsating modern rock hits, live entertainment, refreshments, students and faculty models, special effects and even the appearance of a popular local rock band.
The Oscar F. Smith High School Parent-Teacher-Student Association will sponsor the event, which will feature fashions and accessories from Terri's Place Bridal & Formal Wear of Greenbrier Mall.
``This won't be just `Barbie is wearing a pink dress' while she ambles on stage,'' said Beverly K. Phillips, the show's coordinator/director. ``We're going beyond that to present a very entertaining and lively program.''
Phillips, whose ``dear friend'' is Terri Richmond, owner of Terri's Place, conferred with her sister, a member of the PTSA, to organize a fashion show with student and faculty models.
The program will feature the participation of 21 females and 13 males, made up mainly of Oscar Smith students, alumni and faculty.
``We haven't had a lot of time to prepare for this show, only about seven rehearsals,'' Phillips said. ``But it's coming together. We've had intense rehearsals and everyone associated with the show is catching on.''
She said the show will exhibit all types of formal wear, just right for proms of the '90s.
``I'm putting this show on because I went to Oscar Smith and I missed my own prom,'' said Phillips, who has an extensive background in hair styling, fashions and makeup.
What has Phillips so excited is the help of Antonio Shelman, Terri Richmond's grandson.
Drawing on his own experience, having staged and directed fashion shows in Dallas, Texas, Shelman will add a dance groove to the Oscar Smith show.
``He's helping choreograph this thing,'' she said. ``He's teaching the kids some dance moves, ways to walk and how to pose. There will be quite a few dance steps but it won't be a straight dance show, either. It will be a blend of moves, poses and dance steps.''
To embellish the half-dozen or so fashion scenes presented on stage, Phillips plans to use a smoke machine, some special effects lights and a soundtrack featuring the hits of the day.
One of the fashion scenes will feature six Oscar Smith teachers and one assistant principal working as models, showing off formal wear for the older crowd.
Phillips said the audience also will be treated to a project by the school's Distributive Education Club of America chapter.
``The DECA classes will all be wearing fancy dress and serving up an array of refreshments and goodies,'' she said. ``This is part of their community service project.''
Four male Oscar Smith members of Chesapeake Pride - a volunteer performing troupe of Chesapeake high school students espousing drug-free lives, tolerance and personal responsibility - will open the show with an a cappella version of the National Anthem. The group will feature Jeff Williams, D.J. Carlile, Jason Young and Jeremiah Davenport.
Additional entertainment will be provided by the local college-oriented alternative rock group Ultra Cindy.
``They're very popular in the area,'' Phillips said. ``A lot of students are excited that they're going to play at the show.''
Even though the fashion show takes place at Oscar Smith, Phillips hopes students from the other Chesapeake high schools will attend.
``There's an open invitation to all of Chesapeake's schools,'' she said. ``Everyone is welcome, and it's all free.'' MEMO: AT A GLANCE
What: Prom '95 Extravaganza
Where: Oscar F. Smith High School, 1994 Tiger Drive
When: Monday, doors open at 6:30 p.m., show begins at 7 p.m.
Who: Sponsored by Terri's Place Bridal & Formal and the Oscar F.
Smith High School Parent-Teacher-Student Association
Cost: Free. Call the school at 548-0696 for more information. by CNB