“Legends of the 50’s and 60’s” reviewed by Julia W. Rath 2nd visit by ALB

Highly Recommended! **** Hot, hot, hot! The hottest ticket in town is Music Theater Works’ performance of “Legends of the 50s and 60s: Greatest Hits”, taking place this summer in the parking lot of the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts. The stunning singing voices, gorgeously mixed music, and period costumes provide us with an extensive trip down memory lane. What a special treat to hear nearly sixty hit songs! Directed by Kyle Dougan and Martin L. Woods and conducted by musical director Jermaine Hill, this fresh presentation cannot help but lift the spirits of all by bringing us back to yesteryear by way of such artists as Buddy Holly, Little Richard, Elvis, Aretha Franklin, Carole King, Paul McCartney, the Supremes, the Temptations—far too many to list! The show can introduce younger people to the joy of singing and swaying to music of times gone by; whereas for older people (including myself), the songs evoke nostalgia for the music and its original artists.

The extremely talented cast, consisting of Curtis Bannister, Adia Bell, Justin Brill, Lydia Burke, Robin K. DaSilva, Gilbert Domally, and Evan Tyrone Martin, conjure up an authentic vibe for each era. It was positively amazing! After intermission, we witness a major costume change from the smartly-designed swing outfits of the 1950s to sophisticated formal dress in 1960s fashion. Musicians include Justin Akira Kono (drums), Dave Saenger (guitar), Gregory Strauss (trumpet), and Chuck Webb (bass). What was billed as a two-hour performance lasted for 2-1/2 hours all together, including the intermission, which was expanded from 15 to 30 minutes.

This production inaugurates the trek of Music Theater Works (previously called Light Opera Works) from their Evanston location to their new home in Skokie. It is now a resident theatre company at The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts.

The show sizzled in more ways than one. During last Saturday afternoon’s musical marathon, we were treated to some searing afternoon heat! Don’t expect to grin and bear it. Instead, bring your own umbrella (parasol) and cold drinks along with your own chairs, which you place within painted squares on the pavement, marked off in rows, numbers, and letters. (The stage is high enough for all to see, and you won’t disturb somebody else’s sightline with your umbrella.) As a COVID-safety requirement, we were told in advance that no more than two seats could be placed within a square; in other words, this was planned to be a socially-distanced performance. But that dictum was violated throughout, and I saw parties greater than two seated together in one square; I don’t know why this was allowed. The moment there were three people within a square, then theoretically there was not enough space between adjacent parties. However, considering that the lot was not fully packed, we gravitated to empty spaces on our own and distanced ourselves. (I was one of the people so affected, so I moved. No problem! My guest stayed in the original square.) Besides, there was still plenty of room for a number of us to dance in the makeshift aisles.

Considering the heat, I cannot emphasize too much that you’ll need to drink lots of liquids. The sun really beats down on a summer’s afternoon with no shade and no tent for the audience. There is an outdoor concession stand with iced drinks; and during the intermission, you can go inside and visit the air-conditioned facilities. Above all, be sure to bring more than enough sunscreen with you; you’ll need to reapply it. It is especially hot when the sun’s rays reflect off the asphalt. There are two evening performances, however, which presumably won’t be as hot. But if you decide to attend during the day and forget the sunscreen, then whose fault is that?

“Legends of the 50s and 60s: Greatest Hits” is playing through June 27, 2021., at :
The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts
9501 Skokie Blvd.
Skokie,

Showtimes are:

Wednesday, June 23, 2021 @ 1:00 PM
Thursday, June 24, 2021 @ 1:00 PM
Friday, June 25, 2021 @ 8:00 PM
Saturday, June 26, 2021 @ 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Sunday, June 27, 2021 @ 2:00 PM

Tickets start at $39 for Standard Seating and start at $48 for Preferred Seating.
Tickets for those ages 25 and under are half-price.

To purchase tickets, please phone the Box Office: (847) 673-6300 or go to the Music Theater Works website: https://www.musictheaterworks.com/BoxOfficeTickets.

For more information about Music Theater Works and to learn about their future performances, visit: https://www.musictheaterworks.com/.

To learn more about upcoming shows at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts facility, please go to their website at https://northshorecenter.org/.

Note that free parking is available in a special covered lot for theatregoers.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Legends of the 50’s and 60’s”.

 EDITORS NOTES:There are still some opportunities to see this wonderful combination of songs. I went this afternoon and in addition to seeing some wonderful talent on display, I was able to watch some clever weather tricks. During this powerful show, we had a quick weather change bringing us some dark skies, cool breezes and a touch of rain. Durinng a song sequence that included  “I Put A Spell on You” as performed by  the amazing Robin K. Dasilva, the small offstage tent ( stage right waiting area for the performers) flew into the air and although it did not hit anyone ( Thank The Lord!) it made an impact on the show. It was as if they timed this to take place.

Later, in the second act, they went into the finale “Let The Sun Shine” ( started by Justin Brill who has a great range) and guess what? The sun got stronger and brighter. I am not sure how they planned this, but I love what they are doing in their new home and the talent they have found to be a part of their company.

Al

Can’t wait for “Mamma Mia” INDOORS!

photos by Brett Beiner