And the winner is........

The Mariner has Talent! It boiled down to 6 contestants and their talent!! There was performer #1 Michael, playing a guitar singing Buddy Holley tunes, performer #2 Lorainne, doing Hawaiian dancing, performer #3 Kathleen, juggling, Performer #4 Marina singing Summertime, performer #5 Cheryl, playing a classical piece on the piano and performer #6 Allyn, singing a song she wrote to the tune of "Those Were The Days My Friend". They all practiced about 3 hours prior to the "show". That went well. However, that is when they learned they would be introduced and come down a winding staircase into the theatre and then perform. The lighting was much like a Vegas show. The theatre had about 300 people in it! A perfect setting for a wonderful ending to an exciting contest!! Kathleen had been practicing in the theatre late at night (midnight) trying to perfect a way high toss and spin and catch! She did and it was really great. The night of the show, the lights were on and much different than the darkened room she had practiced!! She did the best she could considering and nailed many of her tricks and even nailed the high toss spin at the end. The couple of drops in the middle seemed minor when she did that last trick!! Everyone applauded for her with great enthusiasm!! She did not win but certainly gained respect from all that saw her perform! I could not have gotten up on that stage and juggled anything, never mind on a rocking ship in bright strobe lights!!! She did a great job! The guy playing the guitar got 2nd place and the gal singing, Those Were the Days... won first place. There is a photo of Kathleen with the winner Allyn in a long black gown. There is a picture of Kathleen with one of the cast singers and a cast dancer and many of the contest. You can see the big stage, the hosts and the cruise director that has an amazing resemblance to "Simon". She had a great time, although very nervous, was wonderful!! AND for those that just have to know....the winner got 36% of the vote, the 2nd place winner got 22% of the vote and sweet Kathleen got 20% of the vote!!!