According to Vanessa Parvin, the director of the cabaret series and the musical director of Summit Theatre Conservatory on what audiences can expect, "A lot of the music in our set was written in the 40s and is often presented with a big band. We are backed up by piano and bass only, but the big band texture is in the vocals, arranged by Adam West Hemming. The audience can expect to hear a lot of favorites from that era like they've never heard them before, as well as a few surprises from the more recent past," she said.
The era is a personal favorite for Parvin and loves the mix of styles and artists. "I, personally, was introduced to big-band music by the movie Swing Kids in the 90s and I'm definitely a fan of the sound. If I was forced to pick a favorite, it would probably be Duke Ellington. The Andrews Sisters, too! I can't speak for the other members about their favorites but we are all steadfast admirers of the swing era and its pioneers." she said. "We have a lot of numbers where two or more songs are interwoven, like I'll Be Seeing You/What'll I Do/Smile, which we call "Reminiswing", and a Gershwin collection that includes our vocal take on Rhapsody In Blue," Parvin added.
Audiences can come and groove along with the quintet as the take you back to the era of swing. "[The cabaret is definitely an homage. This music is some of the best ever written and it stands on its own," Parvin said.
About Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre
Dreamcatcher is a professional yet intimate theatre company that began at Luna Stage in 1995 and took up residence at Oakes Center in Summit in 2012. Their year-long season includes plays, improv comedy, a holiday special, new play readings, and a summer youth program.
About Marquee Five
Hailed as "a breath of fresh air in the cabaret world" (BroadwayWorld.com) with "superb blend in song" (NiteLifeExchange.com), the group won the 2010 MAC Award (Vocal Group) for their debut show at The Metropolitan Room, "We Can Make It: The Songs of Kander and Ebb." They followed this up in Fall of 2010 at Don't Tell Mama with "8-Track Throwback," a show Cabaret Scenes called "top-notch spectacular."
Dreamcatcher Repretory Theatre
Oakes Center
120 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ
Oakes Center is wheelchair accessible. As always, assistive listening devices for the hearing impaired and advance large print scripts are available by prior arrangement.
Back Porch Swing runs at Dreamcatcher for just two performances on Friday, November 21 at 8pm andSunday, November 23 at 2pm.
Note: there is no Saturday evening performance.
Tickets & Info
Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more
PRICE: $25 adults Buy tickets now – no ticketing fees!
Cash only at the door; buy in advance to pay by credit card
