Last night the chorus had it's spring concert, which was called "Lights, Camera, Chorus! In the past we've performed in churches and had a free-will offering. This year we decided to do things a bit differently. We rented the "Renaissance Auditorium" in the Dayton Art Institute. This is a theatre that seats 500 people. We also pre-sold tickets at $10 a piece. We've been working on the music since just after Christmas. 21 songs from the movies.
It was a wonderful experience! The theatre was half filled 30 minutes before the curtain. By the time we went on, every seat was full and they were putting folding chairs in what spaces they could. People were standing against the back wall and in the doorways.
Act I
The lights go down and the curtain slowly opens to show a movie screen with a giant Superman logo. The piano begins, 34 male voices join together:
Pa pa-pa pa paaaa
Pa pa pa
Pa pa-pa pa paaaa
Pa pa-paaaa
The night went on. The music swelled and the audience came alive. That's Entertainment, Cabaret, Diamonds are a boy's best friend, Mrs Robinson. A small ensemble took the stage for Summer Nights, replaying how Danny and Sandy met in Grease. The boys in their leather jackets and the "Pink Ladies" with their pink scarves.
Act II
We entered as priests with a medley from Sister Act. The director playing the role of Sister Mary Clarence complete with black robe and afro wig. Half way through the number the collars were pulled off and became the wimple worn by nuns. Then on to a bit of bluegrass with Man of Constant Sorrow. We built to a crescendo with Springtime for Hitler, the showstopper from the Producers and a reprise of That's Entertainment.
The applause was thunderous! The audience rose as one and I felt a tear begin to form. The moment stretched on and the director stepped to the microphone. Quieting the crowd, he announced our encore. Somewhere.
Curtain!
