” Ring In A Bright New Day”

Highly Recommended **** Thank you!!! Tonight, Jane and I had the privilege of attending a benefit for Theatre Wit at the Outback Summer Session arena in Skokie. The North Shore Center for Performing Arts has converted their parking lot into a wonderful mini Ravinia ( no grass) and tonight we watched six talented performers and two musicians bring us a trip down memory lane.

They called the evening, “Ring In A Bright New Day” to symbolize the powerful journey that we have travelled over the past 18 months. From the dark days when Covid first hit until the bright future ahead ( if everyone gets vaccinated).

The music is from Rodgers and Hammerstein, “Spamalot”, “Avenue Q”, “Cabaret”, “Elegies”, “Jungle Book”, “Bells Are Ringing”, Les Miz and oh so many more. (0 minutes of terrific vocals, solos, duets and ensemble numbers. Directed by Walter Stearns ( Mercury Theatre) for Theatre Wit, with musical direction by Eugene Dizon ( who also handles the keyboards) and Lindsay Williams ( percussion) six solid performers made the evening a smash for those who came out.

The power of Jonah Winston’s voice, I am certain could be hear at Old Orchard, Sarah Hayes belted out her numbers, including a rock solid “Cabaret” set. David Sajewich shoed his terrific range and Ryan Stajmiger showed off his comic touches along with his strong voice. Heather Townsend and Cory Goodrich, both delightful were the last of the players. For many of the audience members, these were people they have seen gracing stages all over Chicago. When Walter Stearns appeared on my show last week, he said several times that this would be a concert to remember. Truer words could not every be spoken!

For those of you who were there with us, you know what I am saying. For those of you who missed this special evening, maybe next time. Better yet, with live theater coming back, start preparing for some great times. For other outback shows, visit www.NorthShoreCenter.org/SummerSessions  or call 847-673-6300