An evening of doo-wop
Who doesn’t love doo-wop? This style of vocalization of R&B-based harmony uses phonetic or nonsense syllables, like a repeated “doo-wop,” for rhythm, with intricate harmonies and falsetto. Sung by groups since the l950s, this musical style holds a place in American musical history and in the hearts of those who lived during that time.
Directed and written by Larry Alexander, “Book of Love: A Doo Wop Romance,” is about three soldiers who return from war to Brooklyn where they find love and happiness.
Featuring the best loved doo-wop hits of the ’50s and ’60s, including “Soldier Boy,” “Earth Angel,” “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” “Book of Love,” “Barbara Ann,” “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?,” “Leader of the Pack” and “One Fine Day,” just to name a few of the 26 featured hits, this little production will prove that the American Dream can still come true.
Alexander, aside from being a writer, has many theater credits, including Broadway and a European tour of “My Fair Lady,” playing Freddy, and as the opening act for a Liza Minnelli world concert tour.
Alexander plays the part of Walter in this production.
Veteran performer and operations manager and owner of Show Palace Dinner Theatre, Tommy Mara serves as music director and vocal coach. Mara has performed professionally both locally, and around the country, with his own doo-wop group, Tommy and the Saints. He is now lead singer of the national touring groups The Crests and Legends of Doo Wop.
Choreographer is Megan Morgan. Cast members include veteran Show Palace performers Gabrielle Mirabella (Phyllis) and Justin Lore (Bill), along with Kara Konken (Paula), Jennifer Harris (Penny), Brandon Michael Fleming (Speedo), Anthony Nuccio (Jimmy) and Val Roche (Penny). Doo-wop Singers include Timonthy Springs, Matty Colona, Brian Graziani and Anthony Fett. The ensemble is Alishia Suitor, Megan Morgan, Ashley Rubin and Lindsay Nanz.
For a chance to relive old romance, and maybe rekindle your own, don’t miss this lively stroll down memory lane. “Book of Love: A Doo Wop Romance” plays through June 16 at the Show Palace Dinner Theatre, 16128 U.S. 19, in Hudson. Doors open two hours before each show for dinner and cocktails. On Sundays the doors open at 1 p.m., and show starts at 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday night performances begin at 8:00 p.m., and doors open for dinner and cocktails at 6 p.m. Matinees are available on select Thursdays and Saturdays at 1:15 p.m., and doors open for dinner and cocktails at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $49.50 plus tax, for dinner and show. Show only is $38.45 plus tax. Tickets for children 12 and under are $24.95 for dinner and show and $19.95 for show only. Call (727) 863-7949 to reserve tickets.
Marsha Reiniers is a correspondent for Hernando Today. She can be reached at [email protected].
