The Clova Theatre, built in 1948, is perhaps the perfect location for A Day in Hollywood, A Night in the Ukraine, a double feature that celebrates the Golden Age of Musicals in Hollywood cinema.
The production, presented by FVGSS: A Musical Theatre Company, is billed as a two-act show and features music, song and humour from an earlier era.
In Act I, A Day in Hollywood, the eight-person cast of ushers and usherettes lead the audience into a musical revue ofHollywood’s glory days, featuring stories, song, tap dance and backstage gossip.
The featured music is drawn from movie musicals of the 1930s, and many of the numbers will be accompanied by the actors themselves. All eight members of the cast are triple or quadruple threats – they act, dance, sing and some play instruments,too. Audience members can expect live piano music, ukulele, melodica and saxophone.
Actress Paige Thomsen arrives at the Clova Theatre in downtown Cloverdale. Lorna Rande
The second act, A Night in the Ukraine, is a one-act play loosely based off of Anton Chekhov’s The Bear.
“Act two is sort of a farce, done Marx Brothers style,” said Director Rebekah MacEwan. “It actually could be performed on its own as a musical, but it’s set in this show as a second act.”
The show appeals to all ages, according to MacEwan, in part due to its classic musical numbers and humour.
“It’s for anyone who’s seen and enjoyed a Marx Brothers show,” she said.
“With this show, some tune is going to get stuck in your head,” said MacEwan. “There’s tap dancing, there’s traditional ballroom-style dancing, there’s impressions. It’s not just singing and telling little stories. It’s a very demanding show.”
This is the first show MacEwan has directed, and it’s producer Barbie Warwick’s first time serving as a producer as well. Both said they were excited by the challenge presented not only by the new roles but by the show itself.
The Clova Theatre, located at 5732 176 St. in downtown Cloverdale, will come alive with the music of the 1930s on May 4 at 8p.m. The show will have evening performances on May 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12 at 8 p.m. and will have 2:30 p.m. matinees on May6, 7, 13 and 14.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, contact fvgssproducer@gmail.com or visit www.brownpapertickets.com.
