People in small towns often have the same misconception about the talents in their own community. A local show I attended recently dispelled that myth once and for all.
I was blown away by the variety of vocal power and proficiency on display at the Legends Musical Review presented by the Foothills Community Theatre in Marion, NC.
Director Ric Luther put together an outstanding cast to perform standards made famous by Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Otis Redding, The Supremes, The Temptations, Etta James, Sam Cooke and Ella Fitzgerald.
That’s a tall order indeed. But Luther, who also lent his considerable singing ability to the effort, managed to organize and stage a production featuring more than 80 songs and a 12-piece band.
While the Queen of Soul herself wasn’t in the house, I certainly felt that I was in the presence of musical royalty.
Ric had plenty of help that included stage management, costuming, technical crew members and others. But it still amazes me that it only took a year to bring this together.
One of the coolest aspects of the show was the broad range in age of the performers. It was worth the price of admission just to see area teens “Twisting the Night Away” on stage. I love that this ageless music is being passed on to younger generations.
It reminded me of how great the old songs, performers and songwriters were back in the day. And just like Dorothy in the “Wizard of Oz,” from now on I’m going to appreciate the wonderful things I’ve got in my own back yard.