When I was first asked to host the American Advertising Federation’s Pele Awards, I was honored. I had no clue however, just how big this production was actually going to be. This was no ordinary award show, I would be playing the part of the dashing Ringmaster in a circus themed event complete with Broadway-esque musical numbers, chorus-line dancers, and an Academy Awards Show format. This was no easy feat!
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The house lights were dimmed and whispers of ‘showtime’ were exchanged amongst the performers. The stage lights went up and a hush fell over the excited crowd. The dancers that were huddled in the wings rushed past me, pouring out onto the stage. Moments later, I made my way out to hit my mark. The chorus of dancers parted down center stage revealing my silhouette against the large backlit stage. With my hand on my top hat, I sauntered down the stage. With the cue of my music, I dramatically spun around to meet my spotlight and an eager audience as my song began. Months and months of preparation had culminated in this very moment.
When I was first asked to host the American Advertising Federation’s Pele Awards, I was honored. I had no clue however, just how big this production was actually going to be. This was no ordinary award show, I would be playing the part of the dashing Ringmaster in a circus themed event complete with Broadway-esque musical numbers, chorus-line dancers, and an Academy Awards Show format. This was no easy feat!
The teaser campaign was shot months ago, it was a viral commercial ad sent out to industry professionals, peeking everyones interest. I made my debut as the Ringmaster popping out of a jack-in-the-box inciting every one to ‘step right up, step right up’ and enjoy the greatest show on earth - the Pele Awards!
In preparation for the big night, I was soon sent the list of songs I would be performing in the show. Four of them, and I’m not talking easy songs to sing either, one was a Christina Aguilera style ballad! I surprised even myself with the notes I was able to hit when I was in the recording studio. The contagious laugh and encouragement of the Audiobytes studio staff made me feel right at home.
Soon it was time to hit the dance studio and learn our choreography. Some twenty-plus dancers from the HYPERSQUAD dance crew would be taking the stage. We spent a few late nights with the crew learning the moves and polishing our performance. I was amazed at how the dance crew were quickly shown their moves and, in just mere moments later, they performed them with perfect precision. They were good. The coolest choreography for me was the finale of the opening number. At the close of my powerful show opening ballad, all the dancers close in on me like a freak-show act at the circus, and I was the red-coated Ringmaster! This was going to an incredible show!
Finally, after filming a commercial, a few sessions in the recording studio, some late-night dance rehearsals, and one table-read with the the Pele big-wigs - it was time to take the stage!
I’d forgotten how much I missed performing live in a theatrical performance. From that first moment I took the stage, I had the audience, and we kept the show going with exciting musical numbers, incredible dance performances and, of course, I added some of my quick witted improv to keep the night alive. I was truly in my element and I loved every minute of it.
My final adieu to the audience came in the form of an intimate love ballad, singing “Three times an agency” (instead of lady). I was, in fact, performing for the entirety of Hawaii’s advertising community, so it was fitting. I slowly made my way into the crowd to serenade people personally, and the audience just ate it up. My dramatic hugs and demonstrations of affection for these perfect strangers was quite a hit. With my name in lights, I took my final bow during curtain call and I knew I had nailed it. Thanks to the amazing guys at KINETIC we put on an amazing show!
As I made my way around greeting the crowd, I bumped into many familiar faces; people I had auditioned for, directors I had worked with, and production companies that had booked me. The resounding word was, this was the best Pele show they had ever attended! The press described the event as a Vegas act meets a broadway show. Coupled with my quick quips, incredible music numbers and the genius of the folks at KINETIC, this was an award show that won’t soon be forgotten. “I’m certain there’s nothing you can’t do Cody!” asserted one ad man with a huge congratulatory hug. I’m going to put that notion to the test! For now, I’m content to have taken the stage again for an incredible theatrical extravaganza.
