As the entire cast of the Funtastics’ latest show, Hooray for Hollywood, launched into their opening song, “It’s a Grand Night for Singing,” the show’s producer Jeanne Sommerfield leaned forward in her seat attentively. It was the ninth annual presentation for this singing, dancing, laughing group of players, and it always draws an enthusiastic audience to the Seniors Activity Centre in Sechelt.
Sommerfield is new to the Coast and new to being a producer, but not new to amateur theatre. She told Coast Reporter that she had assistance from the show’s previous producer Mo Farn and she liked working with the Funtastics’ director Bob Hunt, the live, love, laugh guy. Verna Chan, the new musical director, was another first timer. She soloed in the show as well as coaching the vocals.
This production featured popular tunes and saw the star duo of Julian Alphibert and Heather Doré dancing cheek to cheek. Joy Germaine and Irene Bradley stepped out together in vocal harmony. George Grafton ramped up his showmanship in both song and skit. “Went with the Wind,” a parody skit of Scarlett and Rhett’s big picture, was hilarious. Sandra Cordero brought her dance company, choreographed a few numbers and kicked up a mean Charleston for the audience’s delight. Joe D’Souza’s rendition of “Some Enchanted Evening” and Karen Rydde’s “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” were impressive.
As Sommerfield pointed out, the performers are amateurs yet they managed to keep up with the challenge of the professional musicians: Boyd Norman, Ken Johnson and John Rule. A huge crew of stage management, community sponsors, front of house, lighting and sound go into this production to give the audience a lighthearted afternoon.
