by Marce
“SPRINGTIME IN LAS VEGAS” brought many changes to the Greater Milford Community Chorus, but maintained the outstanding quality audiences have come to expect. The concert celebrated the many facets of Las Vegas, and recalled musical numbers by Elvis and Frank Sinatra, Barry Manilow and Celine Dion, and more. Also on the program were songs about taking a gamble and the popular wedding chapels.
The Greater Milford Community Chorus members come from various towns in the area and meet every Wednesday evening under the direction of Dan Zabinski. They are staunchly committed, really enjoy singing and have a lot of fun! That’s all it takes.
Dan Zabinski
For the first time, this concert was held in the theater at Milford’s Stacy Middle School, across from the Library. The School’s Theater has a bigger capacity than Memorial Hall, and very comfortable seats, though some acoustics were sacrificed.
When we arrived, virtuosic pianist Wayne Ward welcomed us with tunes from the Great American Songbook,Autumn Leaves, All the Things You Are, All of Me.
Wayne played a haunting and elegant solo of Judy Garland’s Over The Rainbow.
An accomplished pianist, he’ been a great addition to GMCC over the last few years.
Wayne Ward, piano
The chorus was also supported by Douglas Weeks, bass guitar, Rebecca Eland on keyboard (an instrument that mimics all instruments), and certainly not to be ignored, rhythmic drummer Patrick Hanafin (not pictured).
The Chorus performed songs by different artists who have starred in Vegas over the years, and also hits made famous by other singers. Frank Sinatra was represented by Come Fly With Me. Razzle Dazzle came from the Broadway Show, Chicago (with Rebecca playing mandolin on keyboard.) Route 66 was one of Nat King Cole’s hits.
Tenors and basses were featured in a gregarious Fugue For Tinhorns,
(Horse Right Here) from Guys and Dolls,
and a sassy Pocketful of Miracles from the MGM movie that starred Betty Davis.
The women of the chorus were featured wearing whimsical wedding veils in a capricious parody of Chapel of Love. They acknowledged Celine Dion, a popular performer in Vegas, with the melancholic Taking Chances.
Pauline Barrett
Deb DeFilipo
A really Jazzy rendition of C’mon on Everybody even had the audience snapping their fingers, stomping their feet, and clapping hands along with some rockin’ choreography by Pauline Barrett and Deb DeFilippo.
Lisa Mather
Lynelle Bennett
The whole chorus joined in for One Voice, following solos by Lisa Mather, Michael Smith, and Lynelle Bennett. This Barry Manilow tune was one of the finest productions of the evening!
Gail Brown
Dean Martin’s That’s Amore,started up-tempo, then segued into tender waltz time.
It was dedicated to Stan and Gail Brown who were celebrating their 50th Anniversary Saturday. (Stan was hiding in the audience.)
Deanna Kowalczyk was featured on I’ve Got The World On A String. She’s been with the chorus for 15 years. The mic went dead, but her smooth alto voice was still heard throughout the theater.
Sonny and Cher were represented with The Beat Goes On (sung by the entire chorus) and the Shoop Shoop Song sung by (l to r) Deb DeFilippo, Carey Zimmerman, Joanne Roy, Carolyn Letvin and Mayumme Vieira, wearing hot pink and black feather boas.
Soloists Carey Zimmerman and Joanne Roy.
The concert came to a rousing finale with the entire chorus joining in for Elvis Presley’s Burning Love, featuring the band for a full chorus, with fantastic drum solo by Patrick Hannafin.
Dan Zabinski invited anyone to become part of the chorus. You must be 18 years or older, be able to carry a tune, love having fun and singing – that’s all it takes!
Rehearsals for the Holiday Show begin Wednesday, September 5th, 7:15pm at Memorial Hall Cultural Center, 30 School St. Milford, Massachusetts. New members are always welcomed!