When the Funtastics gang considered putting on a variety show at the Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre instead of the usual vaudeville, it was easy to choose the theme: the music of New Orleans, the Dixieland sounds that so influenced generations of musicians. They will be performing their show, Back to Dixie!, on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 2 p.m.
“It’s my favourite music of all time,” said the show’s musical director Miss Berni G, who will be performing with some other local big names in music: Graham Ord, Dan Richter, Boyd Norman and her favourite drummer, Al Burns.
The Funtastics, a group of men and women aged 50 plus of various talents, have put on a sold-out vaudeville show in the past to great acclaim. This variety show is not too different than traditional vaudeville — it includes comedy, dance, costumes and many familiar songs. Robert Hunt, who usually offers direction to serious drama, is on board as artistic director for a more light-hearted show.
Funtastics fan Mo Farns, last seen in a vaudeville role, thought up the concept of a variety show but couldn’t follow through himself this year for personal reasons. Some of the other performers will be familiar. Barb Christie belts out Dixie Melody, and Tony Fraser on guitar and vocals always adds some comedy to his songs. Colleen Anderson is the master of ceremonies. Remember the old song, Dem Bones? Four skeletal characters will dance out of the graveyard highlighted with black light eeriness, and later the audience has a chance to stand up and learn a simple dance, if they wish.
Some new voices also sing out: Irene Bradley pines for Summertime and Richard Sand takes off his shoes to feel the Mississippi Mud. Karen Rydde rocks Hard Hearted Hannah, the amp of Savannah, and the show closes with a Mardi Gras extravaganza.
To everyone’s regret, there is one show only at the Sechelt Activity Centre (5604 Trail Avenue). Tickets are $18 at Swish (Gibsons), Mosaic Market (Davis Bay) and at the Centre. Better get them soon.
