Heather Latter
Buckle up and get ready to take a ride through the evolution of technology.
Through song and dance, the FFHS Music Department will showcase technology of different eras as part of its annual fall musical revue, entitled “Technology,” which runs tomorrow through Saturday at the Townshend Theatre here.
“I think it’s going to be a really great show,” enthused music teacher Lisa Loney, who directed and choreographed the production.
She said the technology theme might seem a little odd but it’s really coming together.
“It’s quite surprising the songs that we came up with,” Loney remarked, admitting a few years ago when a fellow teacher suggested the theme, she didn’t think it was a great idea.
“But then this year, when we were trying to come up with an idea, I looked around and saw all the people on their phones,” Loney explained.
“And it just came together.”
Loney said she wrote a script for the revue, which features a grandpa who helps to connect some of the songs.
“It travels through some different eras,” she noted. “So there’s a really good mix of older songs and newer music.”
For instance, she said they will be performing “Drive My Car” by the Beatles, “Jukebox Hero” by Foreigner, and “Rocket Man” by Elton John, as well as “Put Your Records on” by Corinne Bailey Rae, “Telephone” by Lady Gaga, and “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons.
“There are even a few mash-ups because everyone likes those,” Loney added.
There also is a variety of solo numbers, small groups, and chorus performances.
“We have a number of guys participating this year and we have a lot of fun with them,” Loney remarked.
“It’s great that we can have moments that are a little spontaneous and make you laugh.”
The cast of about 30 performers has been rehearsing since September, learning lyrics, harmonies, and dance steps.
“Everything is going pretty smoothly,” said Grade 12 student Andrew Eldridge, who is participating in his first musical revue.
“We just have a few kinks to work out,” he admitted. “But it’s awesome to see everything coming together.”
“They are a really good group of kids,” Loney enthused.
“They are independent thinkers so I don’t have to be over-directing,” she added.
Loney said the pit band also is a bit larger than in past revues, with a bass, two guitars, and even a violin.
“It really rounds out the sound in a couple of the numbers,” she remarked.
Loney added there also is some new talent taking to the stage, as well as new students being trained as part of the tech crew.
And in keeping with the technology theme, Loney said there is some new technology in the theatre itself.
“We’ve got a new sound board so we’ve been able to turn the theatre into a recording studio,” she explained, adding they will be recording the show and everything—even the instruments—will be plugged in.
“Then they will be able to mix it and the kids will have a nice recording,” Loney said, noting they’ve already tried it out with a few numbers and it sounds great.
“So we are excited about that.”
While Loney admitted the overall theme of the show might have a bit of an “anti-technology” vibe, she hopes people will have fun with it and enjoy the energy and talent on the stage.
Tickets, which cost $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors, are available at Northwoods Gallery & Gifts and at the door.
