Tired of the old worn out traditions that come with Valentines Day? Want to give your boyfriend or girlfriend or even your best bud something other than roses and chocolates Feb. 14? To give an unforgetable gift, call Tara Auringer with Applause Singing Telegrams, 4219 W. Beltline Hwy. That's right, singing telegrams are not just a thing of the past.
\We have the best performers at the best price,"" Auringer said.
Auringer acts as a booking agent for three professional performers who each have individualized acts. Wayne, Randy and Mona have all been with Applause Singing Telegrams for 10 years. Auringer does six of her own separate presentations. Some presentations are interactive, others are straight singing, still others can be personalized.
""It's all good, clean fun and excellent talent,"" said Auringer.
Auringer has a background full of dance and theater experience. Seventeen years ago Auringer started Taragrams, now called Applause Singing Telegrams.
""In the entertainment section [of the phone book] there were so many people, nobody even got down to the T's,"" Auringer said.
""[Auringer] is very easy to work with ... she sells herself on the phone,"" said Julie Johnson, a repeat customer.
Applause gets lots of repeat business. Many of those repeat customers are doing ""pay-backs.""
""It gets to be an every year kind of thing--a one-up-manship,"" Auringer said.
She said the most popular presentation is the one done by the ""Crazy Pink Gorilla."" He comes bearing many gifts for the recipient. He sings, does the Macarena with the recipient and even does a little bit of magic.
Presentations last anywhere from five to 20 minutes. Costs range in price from $65-85. While this may seem like a lot of money, roses and chocolates cost about the same price, if not more. The performers will travel anywhere within a 60 mile radius of their office in Madison and perform at just about any venue, from restaurants, offices, private parties and even golf courses.
There are three special Valentine's Day presentations. One is the Love Bug, who comes bearing balloons, candy and a plush love bug. The Love Bug sings two songs and takes a polaroid picture for the recipient. The Big Pink Gorilla does a Valentine's Day presentation called Going Ape Over You. He sings a love song, makes balloon sculptures and gives a gorilla doll to the recipient. Another option is Elvis, who gives away a neck scarf with a personalized message on it and a teddy bear after singing ""Be My Teddy Bear."" The Love Bug and the gorilla cost $75 and Elvis costs $85.
""You can certainly count on [Auringer] to liven the party,"" said Stan Koenig, who received a telegram recently for his birthday.
The president of an over-the-hill support group paid a visit to Koenig at his private birthday party last May.
She came bearing an over-the-hill care kit, complete with prune juice.
""It just cracks you up, we were laughing to the point that we were crying,"" Koenig said.
""[Auringer] puts her whole heart and soul into it,"" Johnson said, ""You can tell she really enjoys what she's doing.""
All interested in booking a presentation should call Tara at 608-271-7111. Valentine's Day fills up very quickly, so call right away.
