Tonics Reunite at 10th Anniversary Show

by Fred Butterweck of PipeDream

On Saturday night, the group along with their fans, alumni, family, and friends, celebrated their tenth anniversary in the Anderson Center Chamber Hall. The show, which featured not only the present group of Tonics but also groups of alumni, began with the original Binghamtonics. The group started the show on a high note with impressive versions of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" and "Kiss The Girl" from Disney's The Little Mermaid.

When their set was complete, the original Tonics handed over the stage to two other groups of alumni. The crowd really seemed to enjoy seeing soloists from the past perform songs such as "Be My Yoko Ono," "Busy Tonight," and "Prince's Seven."

The alumni portion of the show concluded when the present group of Tonics took the stage with them to sing "The Growing Pains Theme Song." The nearly 50 voices on stage filled the Chamber Hall with the words "...as long as we got each other," a phrase that seemed to be indicative of the evening.

Following a brief intermission, the 1998 Binghamtonics began their set. Soloist Joy Sarsale, backed up by Kristy Miller, performed a great arrangement of "Gallileo," which seemed to be a crowd favorite. Other highlights of the show included performances of "Freedom," "Enjoy the Silence," and "Change in My Life."

After an exceptional performance of "In Your Eyes" by Jessie Sackett, the Tonics took time out to say good-bye to their four graduating seniors. Leaving the group this year are Rennica Johnson, Kristy Miller, Marissa Schottler and Joy Sarsale. Surely they will be missed, not only by the members of the group, but by Tonics' fans who have enjoyed seeing them sing over the years.

The Binghamtonics ended their tenth anniversary show with an emotional performance of the Cheap Trick ballad, "The Flame." Soloist Joy Sarsale barely managed to fight back the tears as she performed what was probably her last solo as a member of the Tonics. Despite her emotional state, she performed in typically strong fashion and finished the show

on a high note.

Overall, the Tonics' tenth anniversary show was very entertaining. The show had a good blend of comedy, poignancy, and strong vocals by both the alumni and the present group. Simply put, the show was a 10.