PEACH BUZZ: Grady talent put to good use again

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house at last year’s fund-raiser for Murphy-Harpst Children’s Center in Cedartown when a group of talented Grady High School students hit the stage to perform at the sold-out benefit.

On the eve of their return to the charitable footlights at Saturday’s benefit for the Atlanta Lyric Theatre at the Midtown W hotel, Buzz was honored to observe a rehearsal this week in the Grady High auditorium.

Under the direction of teacher Lee Pope, 14 Grady musical theater students were busy finalizing dance steps, punching up lyrics and doing the occasional backflip for us and the benefit’s co-chair, Mary Welch Rogers.

“This is exciting for the Lyric Theatre because it’s an opportunity to build community,” Rogers told us. “These young people represent the future. Hopefully, we’ll see some of them onstage at the Lyric in the future as well. It’s win-win.”

The students were rehearsing “Magic to Do,” their big opening number from the musical “Pippin.”

Grady senior Miriam Huppert has fond memories of participating in last year’s benefit.

“Everyone was really receptive,” she said. “It will be great to be able to participate again. This time, though, we’re doing something a bit more Broadway.”

Kevin Johnson, 17, emerges onstage to bring his fellow student “muses” to life in the number.

“It’s a happy song and you get to incorporate some fluid movements into it,” he explained. And Johnson isn’t bashful about revealing his secret weapon for the number: “My dimples!”

Grady student Ryan Lamotte, 18, is excited that they’ll have an opportunity to show off skills they’ve learned from their teacher, too.

“Mr. Pope has taught us so much and it’s great that we have a chance to expand that and show other people how talented he is, too.”

Cracked the modest Pope: “I’m just a control freak!”

Added Jonnaia Reynolds, 16: “We’re just hoping to make the audience happy.”

Some tickets remain for “Atlanta Lyric Theatre Gives Its Regards to Broadway” at the Midtown W Saturday night. Former “American Idol” contestant Diana DeGarmo and an as-yet-unnamed iconic Atlanta anchorwoman also are set to perform. Call 404-377-9948.

Make a donation, get a cupcake

With the holidays looming and the economic slump continuing, we’re betting that Hosea Feed the Hungry director Elisabeth Omilami is fretting about how she’s going to feed folks on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Well, since the Highland Bakery in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward neighborhood has been fortunate enough to see its burgeoning business extend into a 1,200-square-foot expansion, owner Stacey Eames is opting to lend a helping hand to the charity this holiday season.

During this month and next, when Highland Bakery’s devoted dessert fiends line up to score cupcakes, bread and croissants and donate two canned goods for Hosea’s Feed the Hungry, they’ll be treated to a complimentary bagel or cupcake.

Said Eames: “We’re excited to celebrate our new addition by helping those in need through the holidays. Donations are down this year and we wanted to help by raising awareness of the program.”

Free treat for fans of the Braves

Looking for an economical family field trip this weekend? From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, fans can enjoy free admission at the Braves Museum and Hall of Fame downtown. Yup, the Braves will offer freebie tours of Turner Field and admission to the museum, featuring more than 600 artifacts, including Hank Aaron’s No. 715 bat and ball, Warren Spahn’s Cy Young Award and Purple Heart, the Braves’ 1995 World Series trophy and our personal fave, Sid Bream’s knee brace from his now historic slide home in 1992.

In addition, fans will get a gander at the stadium’s dugout, the press box and broadcast booth and even a peek inside their favorite players’ lockers in the Braves clubhouse.

Buzz has been reassured, incidentally, that Chipper Jones has carefully removed any and all traces of his trademark chewing products from the vicinity.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS

Jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis (above) is 74. Writer P.J. O’Rourke is 61. Zydeco singer-accordionist Buckwheat Zydeco is 61. Actress Laura San Giacomo (“Saving Grace”) is 47. Rapper Reverend Run of Run-DMC is 44. Atlanta singer-songwriter Butch Walker is 39. Actor Josh Duhamel (“Las Vegas”) is 36. Drummer Travis Barker (below) of Blink-182 is 33.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“I love those people but I love my own house. The White House reminds me of a museum. How do you sleep in a museum? But they’re going to need me so I’m going to be there.”

Future first lady Michelle Obama’s mother, Marian Robinson, in the new People magazine (out today) on her plans to move part-time to Washington to look after granddaughters Malia and Sasha

Contributing: news services

Got a tip for Peach Buzz? 404-526-2749 or buzz@ajc.com