New West Theatre is embracing the ’60s in their new production “Bandstand,” which is a nod to the variety shows of the 1960s.
Director Jay Whitehead has enjoyed working with the cast and crew to represent the decade as accurately as possible.
“The first thing we noticed about the ’60s is just how diverse the musical genres were,” he said.
“So we start with traditional ’50s classic pop rock, then the British Invasion, then folk hymns of the love generation. There is also a little bit of psychedelic rock and roll,” he said, adding they have tried to touch on all of the iconic songs of the ’60s.
“We wanted to represent all sides of the swinging ’60s,” he said.
“The biggest challenge was finding a sense of cohesion and representing the decade truthfully,” he said adding he wanted to capture the essence of the era’s freedom of expression.
“Bandstand” not only examines all the eras of ’60s music, but the quirky comedy of it too.
“It’s the music,” enthused New West Theatre veteran Erica Hunt of her favourite part of the show.
“Last summer we did the ’50s. This year it is the ’60s. And the the ’60s were so influential,” she said
“So there is late ’50s style pop and rock and roll, the British Invasion, the peace protests, hippies and there’s even some psychedelia and some Motown,” Hunt continued.
She is enjoying the show’s concept, which incorporates a stage set up like the set of the old Laugh-In variety show.
“It’s a big tribute to the variety shows of the ’60s which were so popular in that era,” she said.
“ But the music is incredible. You’ll find something for everyone,” she said praising the cast and crew for their work.
“The people are terrific. It’s going to give people that nostalgic feeling,” she enthused.
