Soyuzivka begins its 50th anniversary year: life was a cabaret that night (09/08/02)

Soyuzivka begins its 50th anniversary year: life was a cabaret that night

by Roksana Prystacka

KERHONKSON, N.Y. - Being at Soyuzivka during the weekend of August 3-4 reminded me of the old day, when there was so much pride, enthusiasm, joy and enrichment working at Soyuzivka - Suzy-Q, as we say. The workers came from all parts of the United States, as well as Canada, and many friendships and relationships were forged.

Although taboo in most any other workplace, getting together and staying together was the "in" thing here, long before it became fashionable. Encouraged by our parents as the right thing to do, Suzy-Q was the perfect place to enhance our Ukrainian heritage by being immersed in this unique cultural experience.

This particular weekend wasn't just any weekend at Suzy-Q; it was the weekend that we got together to officially acknowledge the beginning of the 50th anniversary of Soyuzivka. Former workers were asked to send copies of their memorable photos so that massive collages could be prepared. In addition, Soyuzivka requested any workers interested in performing in the evening's Cabaret Show to please contact the office.

Well, it worked. Soyuzivka was sold out that weekend. All along the perimeters of the auditorium the captivating collages were displayed and viewed by all of the former workers in attendance this night. There was a beautiful tribute to the late Manager Walter Kwas, of course, as well as photos of every past and present manager.

Fifty years' worth of memories were depicted: people from all over vacationing here, performers from all around the U.S., Canada, Ukraine, etc.; campers attending the various "tabory" (camps); teachers who came for the various courses held here; artists who came to display, sell or debut their pieces and of, course, the workers who not only worked at their posts but who also took part in the various talent nights - some of whom then moved onto the main stage at the Saturday night shows. What these photos seemed to deliver to the viewer was not merely snapshots of the moment, but the essence of the moments spent together. These moments were then revisited during the Saturday evening show.

The fun-filled Soyuzivka Cabaret was hosted by none other than Roman Wasylyk, beloved comedian extraordinaire and Suzy-Q veteran. Throughout the evening, he did a wonderful job of entertaining and educating the audience about the rich history of this resort owned by the Ukrainian National Association.

Mr. Wasylyk was hot that night. He had the perfect material for the perfect audience. When he wanted audience participation, he got it. And when he didn't, he got it anyway which worked, too.

The host regaled everyone with stories of what it was like to work at Suzy-Q and what it was like being fired - then rehired, fired, rehired, etc. Mr. Wasylyk was full of funny anecdotes that really tugged at the audience's heartstrings. He knew a lot of the workers who had passed through the resort's gates, and he was able to tell the audience about some of them - friends and co-workers - who made all smile and remember.

He never missed a beat to say, and have the audience repeat: "There' no place like Soyuzivka!"

Mr. Wasylyk also introduced the entertainers of the evening with style and grace. The entertainment ranged from a traditional Suzy-Q talent night to the more serious main stage performer, and included performers who blended both formulas.

Opening the festivities were Mr. Wasylyk with the assistance of his lovely wife, Marianka, who together welcomed the audience, announced the dignitaries present, incuding UNA executive officers National Secretary Christine Kozak and Treasurer Roma Lisovych, and acknowledged what a great asset Soyuzivka is and should continue to be for all future generations. Then, on with the show!

The first entertainers were the duo of Alexandra and Walter Bek with their very cute rendition of the Supremes' classic "Stop in the name of love!" This would have been a sure contender at the old talent night concerts.

Next was someone who was no stranger to the Suzy-Q stage, either as a solo accordionist or as a longtime Suzy-Q house-band leader, Alexander (Alik) Chudolij. He presented the audience with two breath-taking showstoppers, both of which he performed here nearly 30 years ago. His fingers moved so quickly and expressively upon the keys that they just appeared to glide effortlessly; the triple bellow shakes are only something that a true master can accomplish with such precision. If there was anyone in the audience who thought that playing the accordion was out of style, this performer turned them around.

Mr. Chudolij then invited his wife, Lillianna, to join him on stage for a number together.

Halfway through "I shumyt, i hude...," a traditional folk song, their son, Peter, appeared dressed in Kozak garb to make this into a duet between mother and son. Peter surprised the audience as he proclaimed in song that he would save the divchyna (girl) from the rain (as the song goes). Petrus was then asked back on stage to sing his solo, "Zasvystaly Kozachenky," as accompanied by tato. This 7-year-old brought the house down with his perfect execution.

The Chudolij family finished up with a duet by Alik and Lilia that gave a new twist to the old folk favorite "Chy ya tomy vynna, scho peiyna zymna?" This trio was very much a highlight of the evening.

The dance team of Elyse Benoit, and Lara and Anna Chelak showed everyone why it is so great to be Ukrainian: you get to dance with so much technique, refinement and fun. The dancers are graduates of Roma Pryma-Bohachevsky's dance workshops held at Soyuzivka each summer. It was a real treat to watch as they kicked up their heels to a dance that they choreographed themselves. These girls should be booked for every festival.

Next, Oles Kuzyszyn took center stage at the piano, performing some of his best work ever as a soloist. The consummate professional, Oles captivated the audience as he worked his way up and down the keyboard performing two classics flawlessly.

As the audience was getting ready for yet a third masterpiece, Mr. Kuzyszyn surprised everyone by asking his lovely daughter Adriana to join him on stage for a duet. Together they poignantly performed the beautiful ballad written by Yuri Turchyn, friend and collaborating member of the Luna Orchestra. "Poslukhai, Pochuyesh" - Listen and You Will Hear - has been sung for many years around the campgrounds of Plast, but it is only now that the author has been given public credit for such an accomplished work as this has also become the title song of the long-awaited debut album by Luna.

A favorite Saturday night segment of Pan Kwas' followed. A woman who had won the hearts of many who listened to her as she performed the great works of Taras Shevchenko, Lesia Ukrainka and others for the first time at Soyuzivka over 30 years ago was back on stage this night. Olia (Shkafarowska) Rudyk held the audience's attention once more as she breathed life into the Shevchenko classic, "Lebedyn," transporting all back into the Kozak glory days. Hats off to a great talent.

Mr. Wasylyk was called upon to work his magic not only between every performance, but also as the voice behind the special slide presentation showcasing Soyuzivka's 50 years of wonderful existence. It is to Mr. Wasylyk's credit that - without a script and without prior review of any of these photographs he did a fantastic job explaining and expanding upon what was seen.

The last segment of the evening's festivities was the performance of Andrij Stasiw who took to the piano keys as if they were on fire. His technique and showmanship were superb. However, partially through, he stated that it was awkward for him to be a soloist as he was now more used to being an accompanist. So into the audience he went, searching for two volunteers to join him upon the stage. He found two of his students, who then became the other half of his act. The young ladies performed some difficult pieces and are certainly a duo to look for at festivals and other functions in a few years.

In closing, Soyuzivka's stylish MC thanked everyone in attendance and invited everyone upstairs for the zabava. Mr. Wasylyk bid farewell to all and, without missing a beat, reminded everyone that "There is no place else like Soyuzivka." A fun Suzy-Q family evening was had by all!

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