Students from Ohio State Marion and Marion Technical College will showcase their vocal, dance, instrumental, performance, and comedic talents during this one-of-a-kind musical production.

Take a Bow is dedicated annually to the memory of former Ohio State Marion student Karmin Bowers. Bowers performed in the first three years of the competition, but was killed in a tragic motorcycle accident shortly after the performing in the 2007 show. The audience favorite award is named in her honor.

This year’s competition will feature vocal and instrumental performances, dance, and stand-up comedy. The fourteen students will compete for a total of $2000 in scholarships to their respective college or university. First place will be awarded a scholarship of $1000, second place $600, and third place $400. The audience will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite as well. The winner of the audience favorite will receive a $200 cash prize.

A select group of Marion campus students from throughout central and north central Ohio were chosen via audition in early March to perform in the scholarship competition. Those students competing in act one of the show include: Karissa Kincaid’s piano performance of “Fur Elise” by Ludwig Von Beethoven; Morgan Burns singing “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack; Cierra Mathys singing “Killing Me Softly” by Roberta Flack; Pat Chitwood singing “Mr. Cellophane” from the Broadway musical Chicago; Shannon Jerome clogging to “Get it Girl” by Keri Hilson; Nikki Daugherty’s violin performance of “Concerto in A minor, 3rd movement” by Vivaldi; and Kiersten Bowmer singing “Only Hope” from the motion picture soundtrack A Walk to Remember.

Act two student performances include: Wes Sohlden playing the piano and singing “One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces” by Ben Folds; Yusuf Mohamed’s stand up comedy routine; Kali Creasap singing “Funny Honey” from the Broadway musical Chicago; Jessica Johnson singing “Climbing Up Hill” from the off Broadway musical The Last 5 Years; Nicole Scott singing “Look at Me I’m Sandra Dee” from the motion picture soundtrack Grease; Alex Sheridan performing an original rap arrangement “Rememberies”; Brittany Roszman singing “A Change in Me” from the Broadway musical Beauty and the Beast.

The show will open with an ensemble dance and vocal performance of the classic show tune “This Is It.” As has become a tradition, the previous year’s first place winner will perform at the end of the show while the judges take time to tabulate and render their decision. Last year’s first place winner was Marie Spangler from Marion Technical College, who performed a classical Vivaldi piece on the violin. The audience will also be treated to a sneak preview of the upcoming Marion Palace Theatre musical, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.

This year’s show is being directed for the third time in five seasons by Upper Sandusky resident Wayne Rowe. Rowe serves as manager of communications and marketing for Ohio State Marion. A tenor vocalist, he has been performing in vocal and music groups for almost 30 years. In addition to acting and directing community theatre productions, he is staff advisor for the Marion Campus collegiate a cappella group InChant. Rowe is also busy forming a professional vocal band called 4 THE RECORD, which will debut in summer 2009.

According to Rowe, this year’s contestants may be the most talented and evenly matched he has seen in the competition’s five-year history.

“We have a very talented and eclectic group of performers this year,” said Rowe. “What stands out about this group is how busy they are, but yet dedicated to putting on a spectacular show.”

“What is the same about this year’s competition is the amount of support and dedication I get from those who are behind the scenes but nevertheless critical to the show’s success,” he added.

For the fifth year, Joanne Roszman, a pianist and music teacher from Marion Catholic High School, will serve as the piano accompanist for many of the competitors. Also in his fifth year with the scholarship program, Scott Persinger serves as the cast choreographer. Ohio State Marion career services coordinator Will Smith will reprise his role as master of ceremonies for the evening’s event. Pianist and vocal teacher Nathan Haubert joins the production staff for the first time in 2009. Sara Veirs, a current student and former Take A Bow contestant, serves as stage manager for this year’s show.

Tickets for Take a Bow are available at the door or in advance through the Office of Community Relations, Maynard Hall, Room 240. Ticket prices are $10 general admission, $9 seniors, $8 Marion campus faculty and staff, $4 students.

Scholarships for Take A Bow are made possible by generous contributions from Marion Centre, Evelyn Walter Foundation, Marion Technical College, and The Ohio State University at Marion.