As a youth in the early ‘70s I recall spending many an hour listening to an album of music compiled from various artists by those indomitable collectors at K-Tel, called 25 Rock Revival Greats.
At the time, the term “revival” was a bit of a stretch in some cases, as many of the songs were hits just a few years earlier.
But at only $3.99 the record was a popular and economical way to provide a pile of party music and nearly everywhere you went someone had a copy on either vinyl or one of those newfangled eight-tracks (Remember the loud “click” and brief pause right in the middle of your favorite tune?).
The music was fun and frivolous and there was a song or two on the list relatable to most any occasion.
Much of the same music, and a whole lot more, is the basis for Drayton Entertainment’s summer musical offering, Cruisin’ Classics, currently on stage at the Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge.
The show features classic ‘50s and ‘60s rock ‘n’ roll hits ranging from Bill Haley’s rousing Rock Around the Clock to soft slow ballads like Bobby Vinton’s Sealed with a Kiss.
In terms of musical selection, the show provides twice the value of even the prolific K-Tel crew, with a total of 50 songs in the production, although to accommodate such volume many are reduced to medley segments.
Cruisin’ Classics is a true musical revue, with the only dialogue provided by Paul Lewis’ on-stage narration, as he portrays a vintage diner owner pondering the potential sale of his anachronistic eatery.
Lewis’ stories of yesteryear aptly evoke imagery of the era and provide an excuse for the rest of the company to sing and dance their way through the production.
The six principals – Kyra Mastro, Connor Meek, Brooklyn Roebuck, Meghan Shanley, Joshua Warren and O’Neil Watson – capably handle both song and dance duties throughout the show, backed by a talented six-piece band and two background vocalists. The effect is a crisp, clean production providing each of the featured vocalists a chance to shine. There’s a lot of strong singers in this ensemble, but Watson’s booming baritone and Warren’s energetic falsetto efforts provide some outstanding moments and Shanley’s versatile voice provides the perfect pitch to lead on numerous numbers.
Perhaps owing to the stars’ need to carry both a tune and a cordless microphone, or perhaps due to a preponderance of ballads, some of the dance numbers are efficient, but less than dazzling. However, the pace picks up for the bouncier tunes like Runaround Sue and My Boyfriend’s Back and the company is literally dancing in the aisles by the time the show wraps up with Neil Sedaka’s Breakin’ Up Is Hard To Do.
The opening night performance drew a standing ovation from the crowd, many of whom could be seen singing and bopping along to the music as the show progressed.
Cruisin’ Classics, an RGAMedia touring production, runs until July 21 in Cambridge.
The show, which played earlier at the Huron Country Playhouse near Grand Bend, is set to move into the King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene from July 25 to Aug 4 and runs Aug. 22 to Sept. 1 at the Drayton Festival Theatre.
Tickets may be purchased at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge, online at www.draytonentertainment.com or by calling the box office at 519-621-8000 or toll free at 1-855-372-9866.
