Rewind those musical memories in A Blast from the Past. That’s the title of the Funtastics’ latest, a reprise of some of their finer moments during their popular singing, dancing, joking shows at the Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre (SSAC). There are two performances, Friday, March 17 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 18 at 3 p.m.
The Funtastics, a group who perform for the love of it, filled the Centre last November for an upbeat mostly musical journey through the 1950s and ’60s. For this March impromptu show 17 of the Funtastics will gather to perform their hits from the past in a show directed and produced by Maurice (Mo) Farn.
“We have something from every show we’ve done before,” Farn said, “and something new from special guests.” Reg and Lynne Dickson will perform some Rankin Family tunes and fans of Miss Berni G will hear her medley during the Saturday performance only. Sandra Cordero and her dancers will warm up the dance floor with two numbers.
Other performers are memorable from previous shows: who can forget Karen Rydde with her Hey, Big Spender song or Ed White in his tribute to Elvis? A trio of singing ladies will honour St. Patrick’s Day with an Irish medley while Joy Germaine and Jan Gillis reprise their hit of Sisters. Farn gets into the act with two others to give their nod to the Irish and Les Harris reprises Old Man River. The medley from the musical Grease at last November’s Funtastics night was memorable. Julian Alphilbert and Heather Dore sing Summer Nights. And if you look hard you might catch a glimpse of Sharon Russell as Tiny Tim, tiptoeing through the tulips.
Mamma Mia tunes make the best finale and will get the audience up dancing.
Farn says that the enthusiasm for this show has been terrific. “When the idea for a fundraiser came up,” he said, “I emailed the group to ask, ‘Is anyone up for it?’ Everyone replied!”
All proceeds from this show go towards the new Emergency Relief Fund, an idea generated by the Funtastics themselves, said SSAC president Joanne Rykers. The purpose of the emergency fund is to provide help for those SSAC members who are adversely affected by a tragedy at home. A member’s house fire in January prompted the group to begin raising money as a way of helping out the family. In that particular case, home insurance covered the costs, but the next homeowner might not be so lucky.
Tickets are $20 for the show and are available at SSAC and at the door before the performances.
