Keeping the Red Scare alive: The Alfies 2010
Holmes auditorium was transformed into a roaring sock hop as the 2010 Alfies kicked off on May 1.
Students and faculty donned their best high waters and poodle skirts to attend the show. As they entered the decked out venue they were greeted by Kristie Valentino and her vintage candy shop (sponsored by the Center for Student Involvement).
Student entertainers of the year Steam Whistle Cartel kicked off the night with a lively performance. The Alfred Swing Society followed with their quick stepping, old school moves.
The first Alfie of the night, for best radio show was awarded to Ash and Moss (with Kari Aldrich) of "Pirate Radio", much to the dismay of Eric Hudack host of “Rockets, Guns, and Galileo”, a three-time nominee, but a no-time winner. Hudack was equally disappointed when he lost his second chance of the night for an Alfie to J.P. McCombs for achievement by a Fiat Lux staff member.
“I just really wanted to win,” a disgruntled Hudack said through chocked back tears.
The Sexy Pitches kicked off the arts and entertainment segment with their retro rendition of “Lollipop.” Both Alfies for outstanding actress and actor in a comedy series went to members of Pirate Theater: Kari Aldrich and Stephan Burger.
Before things got too funny, the winners of the Alfie for best student directed production, Alfred to Asia, took the stage for a dance performance that made everyone in the audience want to twist and shout.
Green Alfred took home the Alfie for outstanding educational program for the Earth Day celebration, thanking the many clubs without whom the celebration would not have succeeded. The Foundry Guild poured into the hearts of voters causing a win with the Alfie for outstanding service program for the Pour for Haiti.
Lauren Pfeifer fell off the proverbial horse (or maybe she was out skiing) when she was not present to accept her Alfie for outstanding female athlete and Jared Manzer missed the most important catch of his AU football career when he too failed to show up to receive his award for outstanding male athlete. However, when the football team won the Alfie for outstanding athletic team Jeff Vanderwalker modestly accepted the award. His acceptance speech moved the audience when he graciously acknowledged the AU pep band (winners of the Alfie for outstanding campus spirit by an organization) for their hard work and dedicated support at every football game.
Middle Eastern Dance Organization kicked off the performing arts section with an endearing and jingly performance. The Alfie for best performance in a performing arts theatre production which was awarded to Justin Pietropalo for his role in The Importance of Being Earnest. Katie Barlow (who later in the show performed with the AU dance team) took home the award for best performance in a performing arts dance production. Adam Fiegl hit a high note in his musical career at Alfred when he won the Alfie for best performer in a performing arts music production.
Zach Grosser was awarded the Alfie for best student design or management of a performing arts production.
Next the Acafellas took the stage and kept the red scare alive with two Cold War-themed songs. Mookie Smith and Ron Scheibel tied for the Alfie for outstanding campus spirit by an individual.
After the show Scheibel joked that he could have had the coveted award all to himself. "If only I remembered to vote."
Comedian Bo Burnham, nominated for outstanding visiting entertainer of the year, will receive his first Alfie ever by mail as he unfortunately could not attend the awards.
Otto Mueller and Sandra Singer folk danced off with the Alfie for outstanding contribution by a university professional, which they shared with David Chamberlin and Alex Wake for their work with Green Alfred. Pine Hill Derby rolled out with the Alfie for outstanding returning program, while Equest-fest roped the Alfie for best new campus-wide program as if it were a prize steer.
The Saxon Bike Hub had their tires inflated when they were awarded the Alfie for best new organization. And finally, Carly Cook and Joey Turro tearfully and sentimentally accepted the award for outstanding senior contribution.
Dispersed between awards and performances were scenes from a skit written by comedic mastermind Dan Napolitano, starring thespians Chris Wszalek and Andrea Castro. The skit depicted the birth of the legendary Black Knight statue which Chris then awarded to Baressi Hall for their victory of the First Year Hall Cup.
All in all the Alfies ceremony was an excellent opportunity to see students and faculty get recognized for the contributions they make on campus. It was a rocking night for all ages.
