Swing

Staff

Published Saturday, January 31, 2004

By Geri McShane, Tribune Lifestyles Editor

It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing - especially when it comes to Albert Lea Community Theatre's next production.

"Swing" is set to open Wednesday at the Albert Lea Civic Theatre, and celebrates the uniquely American form of popular music and dance known as "swing."

"It's not an effort to recreate the era," said Director Rory Mattson. "It's a tribute to the '30s, '40s and '50s swing music."

And ACT is one of the first theatres in the region to present it. "We've been able to confirm that we are the first theatre company in the Midwest to perform 'Swing.'

We are excited and honored to bring it to the area," he added.

The play doesn't have a storyline as such, the director said. Rather, it moves from one song to the next.

"It's a departure for me," Mattson said of the production. "It's something new to this theatre.

"It's been every fun working with the musicians and musical actors. We've got a lot of dancers and some great voices," Mattson said.

Choreography is by Joyce Matthies, owner of Joyce Matthies Dance Studio in Albert Lea.

The featured male dancer is Bryan Gerber.

The other dance company members are

Mike May, Ben Frayne, Kurt Bohrnstedt, Dane Cree, Sierra Scherf, Nicole Greibrok, Krista Horejsi, Megan Cunningham and Ann Trebil.

"It's been really fun for me," Matthies said, adding she's been able to work with songs she normally wouldn't.

"Joyce has done a phenomenal job," Mattson said.

The cast features actors from throughout the area.

Eric Parish of Medford is playing the part of JC.

Doug Snater of Austin will be portraying Everett.

Diane Heaney of Kiester and Mary Wayne of Albert Lea play the roles of Ann and Laura.

Sue Jorgensen of Albert Lea is the vocal director.

The musical director is Andrea Whitcomb. Whitcomb teaches music at Alden-Conger School and resides in Albert Lea.

She has put together a jazz band of saxophones, trombones, trumpets, an upright bass, piano and drums.

"I suspect people will have trouble sitting still through this show," Mattson said of the upbeat music.

There are 24 songs in the show, including such favorites as

"Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," "In the Mood," "It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing," "Harlem Nocturne," "I'll Be Seeing You," "All of Me" and "Cry Me a River."

It's definitely a show for the whole family. "This was a conscious effort on the part of ACT to reach out and expand our appeal," Mattson said.

Costumes are being done by Rosalie Truax, Joan Slen and Joann Schwartz, and include lots of sequins and lame`.

"It's a spectacle," the director said. "This show is very visual."

Swing music and dancing are very popular across the country now, he added.

Patrick Rasmussen has designed the set, which includes a band stand that moves forward.

Catherine Buboltz is the stage manager.

Sound is being handled by Tubby Petersen and Emily Staloch is the light operator.

"Swing" will be performed Feb. 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14 at 7:30 p.m.

General admission tickets go on sale Monday at 3:30 p.m.

The box office number is 377-4371.

Mattson recommends people get their tickets early. "We've already had calls from Minneapolis and to the west of here about it," Mattson said.

(Contact Geri McShane at lifestyles@albertleatribune.com, or call 379-3436.)

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