Musical revue all ready to hit the stage

Whether it’s wind, rain, or sun, this year’s musical revue, presented by Fort Frances High School students, will have it all.
Entitled “The All Weather Revue,” the show will feature songs like Gene Kelly’s “Singing in the Rain,” Katrina and The Waves’ “Walking on Sunshine,” and Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind.”
“There are some really good songs, some fun ones,” noted FFHS teacher John Dutton, who helps produce the show. “It’s a family show and it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
The 65 students, participating in chorus numbers, solos, and small groups, will use props like umbrellas, rain coats, and coloured gloves to help enhance the performances of the weather songs.
“There’s a song for everyone—no matter their mood or taste,” noted senior student Ken Kellar, who will be the soloist for “Rock You Like a Hurricane” and “Have You Ever Seen the Rain.”
He noted there are popular contemporary tunes like Rihanna’s “Umbrella,” as well as numbers going all the way back to Creedence Clearwater Revival.
“And there are a lot of songs people will know,” Kellar added.
Dutton said he’s thrilled with the number of students who have come out to participate in this year’s musical revue, with students from all grades getting involved.
“They’ve been working so hard,” he remarked, adding auditions for soloists took place in mid-September. “We even held a rehearsal on Thanksgiving weekend and we had nearly the whole cast out, which is great.”
Many of the numbers incorporate movement and dancing choreographed by teacher Sherree Denby.
Some of the performers people can expect to see are Richard Schulzki, Scott Barker, Melissa Friesen, Rachel Dutton, Kayla Lauzon, Whitney O’Donnell, Heather Williams, Alex Marusyk, Lauren Gurski, Katelyn Shortreed, and Garnet Cornell—just to name a few.
“There are quite a few guys—I don’t know why—but it’s great to have them because it makes everything more balanced,” Dutton stressed. “It’s really something when they start singing with such a big sound.”
He also added there are many spectacular numbers the community won’t want to miss.
“The All Weather Revue” runs tomorrow, Friday, and Saturday (Nov. 15-17) at 7:30 p.m. at the Townshend Theatre.
Tickets cost $10 for adults and $7 for students and seniors, which are available at Northwoods Gallery & Gifts.