‘Legends of the 50s and 60s’ is a triumph for Music Theater Works

By Colin Douglas

The joint is jumpin’ and rockin’ and rollin’ up in Skokie because a new era is about to begin. Maybe it’s because, after well over a year, this was (to my knowledge) the first live production in the Chicago area. Maybe it’s the fact that this entertaining pop musical revue features so many wonderful hit songs that spark youthful memories for the majority of the audience. Or maybe because this is simply a superbly talented cast performing their hearts out in a beautifully sung and professionally staged production. In any case, we heartily welcome back live theatre and exciting performances, as exemplified by this fantastic celebration of the past!

Kyle Dougan, the new and highly-anticipated Producing Artistic Director of the recently renamed Music Theater Works, co-directs this salute to the hits of the mid-twentieth century with Martin L. Woods. Together they collaborate with Jermaine Hill, the show’s Music Director and conductor of their live, incredibly skilled, five-member band that accompanies the cast. Together, they create a majestic production that’s sure to set every toe a-tappin’. With colorful, well-tailored fashion styling by Justin LeBlanc and lovely, period coiffures by Alice Salazar, this musical revue is—well—totally groovy.

The seven-member cast includes some of Chicago’s finest musical talent. Each and every performer is a star, in their own right; together they create a mighty sound that brings the audience to their feet. The ladies include the incomparable belter Lydia Burke, the sensual-sounding Adia Bell, and the bluesy beauty, Robin K. DaSilva. The four gentlemen featured are the always impressive Evan Tyrone Martin, the exciting Gilbert Domally, the magnificent Curtis Bannister and the very accomplished Justin Brill. Each performer gets their own moment to shine as a solo performer, with many opportunities to harmonized in small group numbers and with the full company. And these seven singers are movers and shakers, as well. While the choreography has to be simple, to accommodate the abbreviated outdoor space, it’s always clean, sharp and perfectly synchronized. 

 There’s something for every taste included in an unbelievable 55 songs in this rock-n-roll revue. The program is smartly divided in two halves, with hits from the 50’s filling the first hour and outstanding pop and rock songs from the 60’s completing the enjoyable second hour. Some of these blasts from the past include The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations;” Etta James’ “At Last;” Tina Turner’s iconic “Proud Mary;” a medley of hits from the Supremes, including “Where Did Our Love Go,” “Baby Love” and “You Can’t Hurry Love.” Some of Elvis Presley’s biggest hits include “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock.” And Aretha Franklin is well represented by some rousing versions of “Respect,” “Think” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”

There’s a taste of country with tunes like “Who’s Sorry Now,” “Crazy,” “I’m Sorry” and the “Tennessee Waltz.” Neil Sedaka’s pop sound comes across in “Stupid Cupid;” Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are a-Changin’” provides a taste of the 60’s folk music scene; the Beatles are remembered with “Here Comes the Sun” and “Yesterday;” Richie Valens’ toe-tapping “La Bamba” even inspired a couple audience members to get up and dance; and in addition to their Elvis Presley’s hits, Lieber & Stoller are also represented with their hits, “Stand By Me” and “Love Potion No. 9.” 

Some of the other classic rock songs that are beautifully performed include “Can’t Help Falling in Love;” “Mr. Sandman;” “Dance to the Music” and “Dancing in the Street;” “In the Still of the Night;” also “Mona Lisa,” “You Send Me” and “Georgia on My Mind.” But a few of my personal favorites include “Do You Love Me,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “Lollipop,” “My Girl” and the cast’s electrifying rendition of “Shout!”

A reminder to audiences that, in order to comply with state health regulations, following Illinois’ reopening after the Covid-19 quarantine, this production is being held outdoors. Performed on a makeshift stage in the parking lot of Skokie's North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, there is no protection from the sun. Audience members are advised wear sunscreen, large-brimmed hats and cover-ups. They are also asked to bring their own chairs, if possible; seating will be provided by the theatre, however, upon request. Concessions are available outside and the Center’s air-conditioned lobby and restrooms are available before, during and after the production.

For avid theatergoers and aficionados of classic rock-n-roll music from the 50’s and 60’s, as well as a much-appreciated return to professional, live entertainment, this production is a smash triumph and an excellent return to the world we once knew. It will stir lots of memories and provide some patrons with a nostalgic trip back to the glory days of their youth, as they “Rock Around the Clock” and cure their bout of the “Summertime Blues.”            

Legends of the 50s and 60s is being presented live through June 27th by Music Theater Works in the Out Back parking lot at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL. Tickets are available by calling the box office at 847-673-6300 or by going to www.MusicTheaterWorks.com/BoxOffice.