10 Weeks to 10 Years: Part 6

programLet’s Go to the Movies

In 2011, CenterStage took their audiences on a cinematic adventure spanning 90 years of music. From Hollywood classics to more contemporary films, the group did it all.

The year also marked some significant changes in the history of CenterStage. Joel Freiberg took over directing and Jeff and Missy Kolbeck came in as choreographers. All three have helped to keep CenterStage performing at its highest potential while still leaving room for the group to grow and be challenged.

 

Together, CenterStage presented a show that was as entertaining as any silver screen blockbuster.

While talking with some current members of CS, we discussed future show themes. It was stated that if the group were to repeat any themes from the last ten years, movie music would be the first on the list.

At the time I thought, “Sure, there is SO MUCH material to choose from.” I wondered what other songs we could do, considering in 2011 the group covered songs from over 50 movies!

I narrowed the field a little when I asked members what their favorite numbers from movie musicals were. Here are just a few responses, all of which would be great in a show together!

“Agony” from Into the Woods – chosen for the “Nice eye candy, fun song, great voices”

Agony.gif

“All That Jazz” from Chicago – jazz, liquor, murder, oh my!

all that jazz
“Make ‘Em Laugh” from Singing in the Rain (this song received 2 votes) – Full disclosure: I was the second vote. How can you not smile when you see this?

MakeEmLaugh.gif

“One Day More” from Les Mis- Just hand me a flag and point me to the revolution!

one day

“Climb Every Mountain” from The Sound of Music – I am a firm believer that every pep talk should be in song.

Climb

Now, weeks later, as I was preparing for this post I was thinking about why movie scores and soundtracks make for such a great show. It was then that Dirty Dancing came on TV, and I realized something.

I watched Johnny and Baby’s summer romance blossom while “Hungry Eyes” played in the background. I thought about when I used to watch this movie non-stop with my best friend. I remembered the two of us going to the lake and attempting (and always failing) to do “the lift” while singing “Time of my Life”.

Now, I have seen this movie more times than I can count and yet I feel the need to watch it, beginning to end, every time I see it on TV. And every time I am taken back in time. While music inherently creates memories, no matter when or in what context we hear it, it seems music connected to movies has a particularly powerful effect.

Imagine what the final shot of The Breakfast Club would be without “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”? Can you think of Rocky without also humming “Eye of the Tiger”. Can you listen to “My Heart will Go On” without picturing Jack and Rose at the bow of the Titanic?

A good movie is like that: there is a transcendent moment when you are completely immersed in the magic. You become lost in a whole other world and are able to escape from worries or stress, if only for the briefest of moments.

I believe CenterStage to be like a good movie: the music takes you to a place where you can escape. We are creating spectacle and using music to connect with our audience. And we are hoping that they connect CenterStage to beautiful, memorable, and enjoyable moments.

A Night On Broadway has songs from musicals you may recognize from their movie recreations, and that’s great! Let us take you away with our renditions of songs that are sure to please whether on stage or on the silver screen.

Mark your calendars for September 29- October 1 and come enjoy A Night on Broadway

 

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.