January 31, 2013

For a company that consistently produces quality shows, this display of talent and electricity dazzles us from start to finish. Under the astute guidance of Ed Flesch, who both composed and directed the show, varied music of the 1960s captures the diversity and complexity of that decade.

Narrator Dan Embree, with his easy manner and impressive comic sense, takes us on this incredible journey by alluding to various historic events and major changes and trends, all reflected in dress, lifestyle and the music of the times. What a trip, what a happening - to use two phrases that gained popularity during those years.

“The Ed Sullivan Show” was responsible for introducing many musical groups and comedians of this period to a larger audience. Most of us who have lived long enough will never forget our introduction to The Beatles in 1964, a group who heralded a new era. Their contribution was acknowledged in the opening and closing numbers. “Hey, Jude” provided a climactic finish.

The ‘60s was a decade where such disparate groups as The Beach Boys and The Doors could both be popular. It was a decade where comedians as different as Alan Sherman and George Carlin both had their ardent fans. It was a decade where Vietnam War protests shared the headlines with love-ins, civil rights parades and Woodstock. 

It was a decade where everything was questioned from religion to politics, from gender roles to sexual practices from dress and hairstyles to the use of recreational drugs.

Motown became a vehicle for disseminating black music, and R&B, blues and soul infiltrated American music forever. Bianca Denis’ harrowing rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “Natural Woman,” made us shiver. Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and The Supremes all shared the stoplight.

On a quieter note, Simon and Garfunkel’s lyrics gave us pause as Matthew Schwartz and his cohorts, Ned Donavan, JT McKenzie and Jonathan Mouton, mellowed out on “Scarborough Fair” and lifted our spirits with “Bridge over Troubled Water.” Bob Dylan, Petula Clark and Dusty Springfield were also featured.

Steve Watts, ever a favorite with the Fireside crowd, left his hot keyboard and directing duties at times to belt out The Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” and The Doors’ “Light My Fire.” He is one entertainer. 

The rest of the big band, consisting of John Hibler and Curt Hanrahan (woodwinds), Claude Cailliet (trombone), Nick Moran (bass), David Wall (drums) and Joe Gorman (guitar), must be credited for their zesty contribution to the whole. What a talented cast of musicians.

The other singers, Beth Mulkeron, a frequent performer in Milwaukee, Lindsey Powell and Maggie McDowell, provided us with tight harmonies and sultry solos and at times joined their male counterparts with enhancing backups.

The number of songs included in the show was legion. We were spun around in time and space for almost two hours with a repertoire which also included a series of themes from movies such as “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “The Pink Panther” and the composition from the James Bond 007 films.

Dan Embree did a great deadpan take on Jackie Vernon, a frequent guest on the “Ed Sullivan Show,” and Ned Donavan brought Alan Sherman’s letters from Camp Grenada back to mind. It must have been challenging to have to pick and choose from such a rich heritage of happenings and sounds.

Mary Ehlinger (music direction) and Doug Reed (choreography) should also be mentioned.

If you’ve never been to The Fireside, this might be the hour to get in that car or on that bus and pay them a call. You won’t regret it.

“Sizzlin ‘60s” runs through Feb. 24 with seven shows a week at the Fireside Theatre, 1131 Janesville Ave., Fort Atkinson. For show times and tickets, call 800-477-9505 or visit  www.firesidetheatre.com