Swingin' on a Star
by Michael Leed
Produced with special arrangements with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.
THE STORY:
The songs of Johnny Burke are perfectly woven into various settings and scenes as if they always belonged there. We move from a smoky 1920's Chicago Speakeasy, where we hear songs such as Dr. Rhythm and What's New? to the Bowery for the classic Pennies from Heaven and others. The ever popular Your hit Parade takes us into the 1930's, segueing into a World War II USO show for several songs including Personality and culminating with the Academy Award winning Swinging On A Star.
The journey continues to a glittering ballroom for the immortal Imagination and then takes us into the world of Paramount's Hope/Crosby/Lamour Road Movies and the songs they made famous. The evening ends in the Starlight Supper Club, high atop Manhattan, with a celebration of Burke's genius. Other favorite songs included are Misty, You're Not the Only Oyster in the Stew, Ain't It a Shame About Mame and Here's That Rainy Day.
"The show will be presented as a regular nightclub act with the performers interacting with the audience in true variety show fashion. A truly enjoyable evening will be experienced by the entire audience," stated the director, Rhonda Groves Young.
"We are proud to open our tenth season with such a fine musical. Being the only local arts organization in Genesee County that has existed operating outside the non-profit world, we have a lot to be proud of. It hasn't been easy but, it has always been a labor of love," stated Ted Valley the Executive Artistic Producer Director of Vertigo Theatrics.
Cast & Crew
(in order of appearance)
Lisa M. (Robbin) Young
is probably best remembered as "The Acid Queen" in last season's performance of
The Who's Tommy. Lisa is an also accomplished composer and vocalist, with two full length albums to her credit. Lisa firmly believes she was born in the wrong era, although her husband and 2 kids couldn't live without her. A native of Flint, Lisa is also our resident website designer and a "Jane of all trades" with a degree in Music Theory/History from UM Flint. You can learn more about Lisa at her website:
lisamrobbin.com.
Bruce Royal Green
Bruse hails from Flushing. He is an electrician at GM and a graduate of U of M Flint with a B.S. in medical technology. He is also a Med-tech for the American Red Cross. Bruce has performed in several church musicals & traveled with the Gospelmen Quartet. He most recently appeared as Captain Walker in
The Who's “Tommy”.
Joe Caballero
These fella’s found Joe on the streets of Grand Blanc and asked if he could do this! He said “Let’s find out!” He’s learning about music and likes to “sing a bit”.
Kristina Lakey
is returning to the area after a stint in Chicago. She can be seen in the feature films "D.O.A.P.", "Quebec" & "The Express". She has numerous stage credits including "Dracula" & "Bye Bye Birdie". She is a massage therapist by day & mom to daughter Willow. Kristina resides in Davison.
Patty Velazsquez-Wohlert
is a native Flintstone, now living in Swartz Creek. Patty graduated from Central HS in 19 something, something - which was also the last time she performed in a play. However, she is no stranger to the stage, having performed with many bands & the dance group, Ballet Folklorico. She has raised 4 wonderful children & enjoys being a new grandma.
Aaron Horne
holds a Bachelor of Science in Theatre/Film from Oral Roberts University. A resident of Burton, his most recent credit was with Flint Community Players as Seymour in “Little Shop of Horrors “ and Pippin in “Pippin”. He also performed numerous shows while in college. Love to his cat “Mug”.
Kimberlee Streby
is a vocalist & teacher in Flint at “Diva”. A graduate of Albion College, she has performed professionally throughout the Midwest. This is her fourth production for Vertigo, having most recently served as Musical Director for
The Who's Tommy. She is the proud wife of Paul and proud mother to Ronan & Jude.
Rhonda Groves Young (Director)
Rhonda is a resident of Flint and the teacher and director of theatre for Flint Central Commencement Academy Theatre (FCAT). She has worked in the theatre in one capacity or another for over 38 years. This is her 13th show with Vertigo, and was last seen as Mrs. Walker in
The Who's Tommy.
Laura Friesen-Lynn (Assistant Director/Stage Manager)
Matt Schartow (Choreographer)
Shane McNichol (Lighting Technician)
Jeff Everson (Sound Technician)
