REVIEW: THEATRE ANCASTER’S “OLDIES JUKEBOX”- A DELIGHTFUL JOURNEY THROUGH MUSIC HISTORY

Musical ConcertTheatre AncasterMusical TheatreReviews

Apr 18

Feeling nostalgic for poodle skirts, leather jackets and sentimental songs about your teenage crush? Well, you don’t need a time machine as Theatre Ancaster’s latest installment of their popular concert series will take you back to the early days of rock n’ roll; bringing to life legends such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, Little Richard, The Supremes, and countless other pioneers of the music we grew up with and love. It is equal parts music history lesson and a two-hour nostalgic romp through the 40’s, 50’s and early 60’s; all while reminding us that music connects us as people and that the artists showcased in Oldies Jukebox continue to influence the music we hear today.

The live band was such an integral part of this concert. Led energetically by Colin Lapsley, primarily on piano, with some instantly recognizable guitar and brass/horn solos by Chris Wheeler and Josh Bird, Julian Brindley and Glenn Byford respectively throughout the show. The band are the stars of this production bringing all of these beloved classics to life. There is a wonderful mix of catchy pop, vibrant rock n’ roll and saccharine love songs, but I recommend avoiding the set list in the show’s program as I found not knowing what number was next added to my overall enthusiasm.

The costumes designed by Stacey Bishop and Becki Lawrence-England are colourful, full of character and must take a precise backstage effort for all the quick changes the ensemble commits to. Both costumers deserve high praise for their incredible attention to detail both historically and aesthetically. The lighting and projection work is equally impressive by Sam Frisk and I enjoyed many of the creative choices, making it feel like we were watching music history unfold through a rabbit-antennae television set.

The ensemble for Oldies Jukebox showcase their jaw-dropping vocal talents throughout and demonstrate how Theatre Ancaster continues to nurture the most consummate professionals in the area. Without spoiling much of the set list, audiences will be thrilled to hear hits such as “Only You” performed with rich emotion by Chantal Fernandez, “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” sung expertly by Ellie Miller, Erin Bree Pierce and Angela Broadley, “Where Did Our Love Go?” led by the stunningly soulful Robyn Russell, “In The Still of the Night” soars from Adam French and my favourite performance moments include watching Colin Lapsley channel all of Jerry Lee Lewis’ prowess on the piano in “Great Balls of Fire” and Matt Miller’s swoon-worthy tenor and effortless high notes in “Unchained Melody” and “Since I Don’t Have You.”

The entire ensemble truly excels with their soulful and spirited performances, rich harmonies, even at times performing acapella. Their commitment to performing these songs at such an expert level only adds to the professional-level concert experience will have you clapping and maybe even dancing in the aisles as you reminisce about simpler times. Theatre Ancaster’s Oldies Jukebox is like a breath of fresh air to lift the heaviness of the world away, if only for a couple of hours. These classic songs shaped the music we grew up with, no matter your age bracket and it is a wonderful piece of music history that Theatre Ancaster has crafted and shared with audiences. Don’t miss it!

OLDIES JUKEBOX TICKETS