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Sunday Rock Revue presented July 29-31 at Russell Theater

Posted 7/28/21

COLTON -- A feast for eyes, ears, minds, and hearts awaits audience members on July 29, 30, and 31 at the historic Russell Theater as the Sunday Rock Legacy Project (SRLP) presents the Sunday Rock …

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Sunday Rock Revue presented July 29-31 at Russell Theater

Posted

COLTON -- A feast for eyes, ears, minds, and hearts awaits audience members on July 29, 30, and 31 at the historic Russell Theater as the Sunday Rock Legacy Project (SRLP) presents the Sunday Rock Revue: A Decade of Community.

Director of the revue, Elaine Kuracina, along with her co-director Jim Wildman, will offer audience members the “magical lights, stunning songs, fun choreography, beautiful acting, and impeccable sound quality” that one would expect on Broadway but held in a 100- year- old theatre with local talent," said Carol Kissam of SRLP.

Included in the show are numbers from the original SRLP musical Sunday Rock: The Folk Musical written by Evelyn Riehl about the people who worked and lived in Colton during its early years, as well as showstopper numbers from eight other years of musicals including songs, acting scenes, dances and selections from a new musical written in a collaboration between Ms. Kuracina and Marty Lipowitz. It celebrates life on a commune not far from Colton during the 1970s.

Frank Vaisey, one of the performers on stage this summer, has been working with the Sunday Rock Legacy Project since its inception in 2012. He got involved at the urgence of Bill Riehl, son of Evelyn and Bill Riehl, two local musicians and music teachers in the area. Vaisey credits his initial involvement on his” friendship and admiration for Evelyn Riehl.” He found that working with “the many talented and dedicated people involved” has inspired him to continue. Vaisey is the Project Manager for the SRLP and one of its most dedicated performers. He has worked closely over the years with Ruth McWilliams, one of the prime forces behind the collaboration.

Since 2012, SRLP has been marrying theatre, history, and education in the town of Colton with staged musicals, historical research, and the involvement of students in educational enterprises connected to each year’s project. The Steering Committee headed by Mr.Vaisey raises funds, writes grants, does research, create posters, sends out news releases, advertises, supports student interns, creates an annual program and historical guide, and offers a musical each summer. For Mr. Vaisey, SRLP programs “are a wonderful look into the rich history of Colton and the surrounding area.” Mr. Vaisey believes that each student intern who has worked with the project “will have developed a love of the performing arts to last a lifetime. I know that having the community involved in theatre was a goal for Evelyn and Bill Riehl.”

Kuracina is excited about being able to use the Russell Theatre for this year’s performances. “Being able to use the Russell Theatre is like finding a diamond,” she said. Because the theater is not being used for other groups this summer, rehearsals are held there, costumes and stage props are kept there, and lighting and sound equipment is also set up there.

Julie Manders is the choreographer for the revue, and John Larrance has worked closely with Mr. Wildman on the lights and sound. Both have played integral roles, and audiences are sure to appreciate their efforts. Also heavily involved are show musicians Gerrie McGrath and David Katz. Student interns this year come from Colton-Pierrepont Central (Bethany Vaisey and Nate Smith) and Edwards Knox (Myles LaPoint and Madelyn Rowley). They are helping with costumes, sound, and lights – and they do have some stage time.

Kuracina said that audience members may want to bring their own seat cushions should they need something softer than the 100-year-old wooden seats. The theatre is located at 4 Pestle Street, Russell. Tickets for the performances (Thursday, July 29 at 7 pm, Friday, July 30 at 7 pm, and Saturday, July 31 at 2 pm) are on sale at Brick and Mortar in Potsdam, Traditional Arts in Upstate New York in Canton, at the Colton Museum, from cast members, and at the door. All the most updated directives from the CDC with regard to COVID are being employed for actors, musicians, and audiences.