Kauai Chorale will be performing “Silver Screen Favorites” May 18 and 19 at Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center.
S. Morris Wise, artistic director, will be guiding the singing group. Special guest will be Kapaa Middle School Choir and Ukulele Band.
TGIFR!DAY asked a few questions of Wise in advance of the shows.
What is the theme/title and why did you select that? What does it mean to you?
The theme or title for this concert is “Silver Screen Favorites.” It continues our year of popular music drawn from movies. I selected the Silver Screen theme as a fun way to make my acquaintance with the members of the Kauai Chorale and to provide the audience with memorable concerts. I hope the audience leaves the concert reminiscing, humming the tunes, and with wonderful memories reacquired.
What are some of the songs the chorale will sing? Are these among your favorites?
The chorale will cover a broad range of numbers including “America” from “West Side Story,” “Some Enchanted Evening” from “South Pacific,” “One” from “A Chorus Line,” “Seasons of Love” from “Rent,” a medley of songs from “The Sound of Music,” and more! I have fond childhood memories of watching “The Sound of Music” (on TV) so that might be my favorite from this concert, and the chorale really brings it to life!
Can you talk about some the upcoming show and what people can expect? Are there a few highlights we can look forward to?
One of the things I love about this show it that the chorale is doing so many different kinds of music, so they get to use different vocal techniques and showcase different styles of singing, from sublime to sassy. We are very excited to have students from Kapaa Middle School Choir & Ukulele Band under the direction of Mary Lardizabal join us. They are doing music from “The Greatest Showman” and will join us for two of our numbers.
As the director, do you believe the chorale is coming together as you hoped? Are you seeing the chorale thriving as you expected?
This is still my first year, but it is my second concert. The chorale and I are still getting to know each other, but every rehearsal we become more familiar and they always work really hard to accomplish our goal of presenting a fine performance. A fine performance starts with real WORK at rehearsals and the chorale is always up to the task!
What does the middle school choir bring to the performance? What do they add?
I have great respect for Mary and her program. I knew as soon as I took the reins of the chorale that I wanted to work with Mary and her students. The students bring a fresh, young spirit to our show, and I am looking forward to seeing them perform both with and for us.
Anything else you would like to add about the show?
This is going to be a really fun show! There are some stunning moments of beauty and I love that we get to share that with our audience. I look forward to seeing everyone there!
Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door, $6 students. Buy them at kauaichorale.com.
Info: 337-1882
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Bill Buley, editor-in-chief, can be reached at 245-0457 or bbuley@thegardenisland.com.
