100 Years of Broadway by Marion Boyd
‘Another Op’nin’, Another Show’ and the Sage Valley Voices are off and running. They will be on stage at the Oliver United Church to present 100 YEARS OF BROADWAY Saturday, April 16th at 7 pm and Sunday, April 17th at 2:30 pm. Get your tickets at the door for only $10 and see what our community choir can do.
The choir really does spell community. Singing a medley together are some forty people ranging from 85 year old twins to a young boy soprano gradually morphing into a fine tenor. The local cop is there in his uniform. A long time orchardist sings a brazen chorus of “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” and everyone in this town knows that orchardists don’t really believe that just having a beautiful feeling will mean everything, especially the weather, will be going their way! Then there is our favourite Marilyn Monroe double to remind us that diamonds are a girl’s best friend.
Director, Lori Martine, should get a special award for both good humour and patience as practice after practice she convinces the whole crew that “There’s No Business Like Show Business”. Turning out for practices in the winter months made “Button Up Your Overcoat” a reality. Wife and daughter of a former producer on the local musical scene sing “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man” and “dat man” sitting right beside them just gives them his usual wicked grin.
Sandy Andres, pianist, has her work cut out for her. The musical score has a lot of fast transitions. “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better!” gets a bit rowdy with the “no you can’t” “yes I can” dispute and leads to “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair”. Part of Sandy’s job is covering up the odd mistake and fortunately she is very good at it.
“Standing on the Corner” and “Hello Dolly” move us into the realm of traditional Broadway and before long the music of the early 70s from “Superstar” to “Send in the Clowns”changes the face of Broadway forever and Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Sondheim start to steal the show. It really does take 100 years to “Give My Regards to Broadway” starting with the early years and the music of Tin Pan Alley right up to contemporary Broadway: “Do You Hear the People Sing?”
The choir invites you to come out and become part of a community of music. Your ticket price includes tea or coffee and goodies and a time to socialize with the choristers. We are your friends and neighbours. Lighten your heart and join in the fun! Proceeds after costs are donated to the United Church Community Outreach programs such as the Soup Kitchen.
Photos by Val Friesen
1. Men’s chorus shares a laugh
2. The choir hard at work
3. Artist, Janet Bednarczyk, center, holds one of the decorations for the show. To her right is Treasurer of Sage Valley Voices, Bernice Myllyniemi, and to her left, Marion Boyd.
