SONGS FROM THE SHOWER
A co-production of Cadenza Productions and Theatre 3x60
Musical Direction: Carol Salamone, Direction: Carey Nicholson
With: Todd Appleton, Lyle Corrigan, Trish Harris, Donna Lajeunesse, Catherine Marzola, Andrew Smith
Cabaret entertainment poses challenges for performers. Not only should the singers be versatile in the ability to shift vocal range and style quickly, but also the selection of songs must appeal and sell to a wide variety of music tastes. Let’s face it – unless your audience members have seen several musicals, chances are most guests: a) won’t know the songs b) have either been ‘dragged’ or ‘coerced’ to go or c) attend to support family and friends.
SONGS FROM THE SHOWER opened on a very warm July 6 evening for a two-week run at Port Perry’s Town Hall 1873. This production has been cast extremely well by Carol Salamone and Carey Nicholson as all members of this six-person cast have stage experience throughout the Durham and GTA Regions. Each has his and her signature numbers to sing and, my gosh, several of the songs soar through the roof of the Town Hall. Most importantly, the audience can tell these six performers work together as a true professional ensemble of players who listen, pay attention and watch carefully as a scene unfolds before them without upstaging the moment.
Since this show is a co-production between Cadenza and Theatre 3x60, thank goodness the set is minimalist because an evening of entertainment like this has to move quickly from song to song. The transitions between each song are smooth and fluid. And yet, there was a minor quibble that will most certainly be addressed and rectified for the next performance. Sometimes, the sound balance was uneven and it was difficult to hear the lyrics especially from some of the songs of the shows I did not know.
Near the end of the first Act there is, as the French say, a soupcon of naughtiness and ‘adult’ content where you will raise your eyebrow for a minute BUT MAKE SURE YOU RETURN FOR THE SECOND ACT as this is where the performance flies high and the audience is in for an enjoyable time. Time and space do not permit me to comment on each song, but I want to point out some personal evening highlights. Close your eyes and just listen to the beautifully sung ensemble numbers A NEW WORLD and FOR NOW. The male trio belt confidently YOU’RE NOTHING WITHOUT ME through the roof of the Town Hall highly charged with aplomb. The female trio girlishly teases us with YOU COULD DRIVE A PERSON CRAZY. Lyle Corrigan and Todd Appleton have great fun with BETTER WITH A MAN. Donna Lajeunesse reveals her vocal range and depth in BEING ALIVE, YOUR DADDY’S SON and OLD-FASHIONED LOVE STORY. Catherine Marzola and Trish Harris assuage our fears of life in SOME THINGS ARE MEANT TO BE. Andrew Smith and Donna Lajeunesse hilariously account for so called advantages of friends with ‘benefits’ in WE’RE JUST FRIENDS.
Live, professional theatrical entertainment abounds a’plenty this summer in the Durham and Scugog Regions. Make sure you get to see some very talented people grace the stages this summer.
SONGS FROM THE SHOWER continues July 8, 13, 14, 15 at 8 pm AND July 16 at 2 pm at Port Perry’s Town Hall 1873, 302 Queen Street. Recommended for ages 13 and up as there is some adult material. Tickets may be purchased at the door prior to performance or visit their website for further information.