After months of snow and cold, it may come as no surprise that this year’s incarnation of “A Taste of Lake Effect Show Choir” is weather-themed. But director Sharon Green said her choice wasn’t based on inclement conditions; she decided that last summer. Instead, one primary inspiration was less obvious than that.
(Anthony Viola/NW)
“I wanted to do something with the Beatles, because we’re celebrating the 50th year of their arrival in America,” Green said. “So, I’m referring to the year that they ‘took America by storm’ as my byline.”
Taking place at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 23 and Thursday, April 24 in the Great Lakes Rooms, the choir’s upcoming performances will cap off one of the most brutal U.P. winters in recent memory with food, music and fun. While almost every piece on the concert will fit the weather theme, Green said she’s still been able to develop a varied setlist.
The performances include “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” and songs from the “Frozen” soundtrack. But the Beatles medley which inspired this year’s theme may have received the most hype.
“I love [the Beatles’] music,” Lake Effect member and junior music education major Kyle Hantz said. “It’s really exciting to get the chance to sing some of their music with a large group, and to share my love of it with others.”Another Lake Effect member, sophomore theater major Katherine Marsh, looked forward to seeing how crowds will react to a song performed by her section of the choir.
“The girls are doing a really cool piece, ‘It’s Raining Men,’” she said. “It’s a huge change-up, since we usually get prettier songs. I’m really excited to see where it goes.”Green said the fact that the group’s annual winter concerts are called “A Taste Of Lake Effect Show Choir” was inspired by the phrase’s double meaning. The title refers to both the sampling of Lake Effect’s repertoire and the incorporation of food.
“It’s not a dinner concert; it’s appetizers and desserts,” Green said. “When you first get there, the group serves guests appetizers, and then they perform the show. Then, near the end, we have dessert.”Whether audiences are familiar with Lake Effect or not, they’ll still find a lot to enjoy about the concert, Green said.
“They will be thoroughly entertained by an amazing group of performers who absolutely love doing this kind of show,” Green said. “As we like to say, ‘Whether the weather be fine or not, Lake Effect will give it all they’ve got.’”It’s an outstanding performance, Hantz said.
“The food is great, and it’s definitely worth the money,” he said. “[W]hat else do you have going on during a midweek night?”The choir will perform at 6:30 p.m. on April 23 and 24 in the Great Lakes Rooms. Tickets are $15, and must be purchased by Monday, April 21. For more information, call the NMU Music Department at (906) 227-2563.
