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‘Rock Legends’ comes to Chemainus Theatre

Show highlighting classic rock from the mid-1950s to 1970s runs from June 2 to Aug. 26
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People who plan to attend the Rock Legends show at the Chemainus Theatre this summer are advised to wear comfortable shoes.

Actor/performer Ted Simonett said that’s because the audience will be tapping their toes all night along with the lively and timeless music of the show.

“It’s really infectious,” said Simonette while at a recent rehearsal for Rock Legends, which will run from June 2 to Aug. 26.

“I can’t choose a favourite from all the songs that will be performed. The show is thoroughly entertaining, and the night will fly by for the audience.”

Conceived and directed by Alex Mustakas, artistic director for Drayton Entertainment, Rock Legends revisits the incredible period of history decades ago that forever changed the landscape of modern music.

Rock Legends is a sequel of sorts to the smash-hit Twist and Shout: The British Invasion, which wowed sold-out audiences in 2015.

“From the mid 1950s through the mid 1970s, a number of artists refused to bow to industry pressure and creatively set their own musical trends,” said Mustakas.

“They were courageous and outrageous, and this production is our way of saluting the most influential rock and roll acts of the 20th century.”

Once again, the story harkens back to a simpler period in history, when families gathered around the television to watch the hottest acts of the day perform on The Ed Sullivan Show.

This time around, popular television host Roy Solomon, played by Simonette, is signing off the air after 20 years with The SBC Studio, and theatregoers become the live studio audience who are taken on a stroll down memory lane, while millions of television viewers look on from their living rooms.

And what a stroll it is!

Featuring a hit-parade of over 60 unforgettable songs by such unique artists as Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Beach Boys, The Everly Brothers, The Supremes, Ray Charles, Elton John, ABBA, The Monkees, and many more, this lighthearted musical tribute captures the spirit of the era in an imaginative piece of pop culture nostalgia.

Mustakas has assembled a talented 13-member ensemble to breathe new life into the golden age of music, and he does an exemplary job of integrating all elements of music, dance, and performance to create a truly winning production that will have audiences feeling positively invigorated as they leave the theatre, say promoters.

“The singing and the dancing in this show is just incredible,” said Simonette, who has been a professional actor for more than 40 years.

“As long as I can remember my lines, we should be in pretty good shape.”

While Rock Legends is a celebration of music, it also boasts many comedic nuggets.

The final number, a musical medley honoring the greatest rock ’n roll legend of them all — Elvis Presley — encapsulates the charisma and sheer exuberance that sustains the entire production.

There will also be a five-piece live band, under the guidance of music director Nico Rhodes with orchestrations and vocal arrangements by Robert Foster.

Tickets for Rock Legends can be purchased in person at the Chemainus Theatre, online at www.chemainustheatre.ca or by calling the box office at 250-246-9820, or toll free at 1-800-565-7738.

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