By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Sheila Brown is looking for local talent who can move like James Brown, sing like Aretha Franklin, keep a hula hoop spinning, and sling hillbilly twang like the Beverly Hillbillies.
Bouffant hair and retro clothing will be provided.
Brown, of Bowling Green, is resurrecting a variety show format she produced years ago at Bowling Green State University. As part of annual cultural celebrations on campus, she had access to a vast cast of characters made up of students, faculty and staff.
“It just kind of grew over the years,” with the cast and crew often reaching 100 or more, she said. “Word spread and people saw the fun and camaraderie.”
Before one show was over, people were already inquiring about the next year’s production, Brown said.
Brown, who now works at the Monroe Neighborhood Community Center in Toledo, is looking to again provide the same type of creative outlet for talent, and the same type of celebration of culture and music.
“I’m going back to where it all began,” she said.
To do that, Brown is teaming up with Sandy Milligan, who recently moved back to Bowling Green. As production coordinator, Milligan will assist with auditions and communications. She views working on the show as a perfect way to use her skills and networking to once again be involved in her community.
The team of Brown and Milligan is looking for people who can sing, dance, play instruments and act – and have fun while doing it.
The “60’s Spectacular!” show will celebrate the rich musical legacy and social change of the decade.
“We are searching for both seasoned and raw talent,” Brown said. “Many of the 1960’s icons were teenagers and young adults at the height of their popularity.” So Brown is working with Bowling Green High School and BGSU to find talent.
The show will be staged at the Bowling Green City Schools Performing Arts Center, 540 W. Poe Road, Bowling Green, on Aug. 7 at 8 p.m., and Aug. 8 at 7 p.m.
The show will include songs by groups and individual artists, such as The Supremes, Beatles, James Brown, Righteous Brothers, Sonny & Cher, Four Seasons, Temptations, Elvis, Beach Boys, Roberta Flack, Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles, Ronettes, Dusty Springfield, Otis Redding, Herman’s Hermits and more.
Like the variety shows of that era, actors will perform short skits from iconic TV shows such as the Beverly Hillbillies, American Bandstand, Showtime at the Apollo, Ed Sullivan Show, and Shindig.
Milligan has fond memories of watching variety shows with her family back in the 1960.
“I’ve always had a love of variety shows,” like Flip Wilson, the Osmonds, Hee Haw, and the Muppets, she said.
“I think there’s a real place for that as entertainment and art,” Milligan said.
Several dancers are needed to perform with many of the acts and for dances such as Rich Man’s Frug by Bob Fosse.
In between musical acts, children will take the stage to transport the audience back to the 60s with toys and games from that era.
Singers are needed to portray artists and serve in the ensemble/chorus. The goal is to have as many live singing acts as possible, however a few may require a lip synced performance.
“If you look the part, but can’t sing a lick,” a singer behind the scene will perform the vocals, Brown said. “We’re going to mix and match. I’m very hopeful and excited.”
The host of the show will be Jay Lamont, a comedian, singer and impersonator.
Brown and Milligan are also in search of stage crew, tech crew, set designers, costume sewers, wig stylists, and make-up artists.
Brown decided to focus on the 1960s because of the impact of the music from that era.
“Music is so universal and so important. It’s healing. It’s spiritual.”
And there was something magical about the 1960s, she said.
“It’s a great decade, with a lot of change. You can’t refute – all these iconic figures shaped and changed music,” she said. “These were our role models. They were changing the landscape of how music sounded. These songs are still significant and woven into our music history.”
Brown was motivated to produce the variety show to give people an outlet for their talent, and an opportunity to connect with others who share that love of entertaining.
“There’s so many talented people here – but there’s no outlet. There’s nothing like this being done in the area,” Brown said. “This is an awesome opportunity to make those connections.”
Milligan has witnessed Brown’s ability to bring together people from the community for productions – and to make the most of their talents. She first met Brown more than 20 years ago when Brown instructed an aerobics class, and had an uncanny way of making people comfortable outside their comfort zones.
“She eases through that discomfort,” Milligan said of Brown. “She’s always got that great smile.”
The two have stayed in touch over the years, and when Milligan moved back to Bowling Green they saw an opportunity to partner on the show.
Donations from the community are being accepted to cover the expenses of putting on the two-night performances. A portion of the proceeds from the shows will go to the Monroe Neighborhood Community Center.
Auditions will be held at the following locations:
- Monday, Feb. 9, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Bowen-Thompson Student Union at BGSU.
- Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Bowen-Thompson Student Union.
- Friday, Feb. 13, from 4 to 6 p.m., at Bowen-Thompson Student Union.
- Monday, Feb. 16, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Simpson Garden Park Building, 1291 Conneaut Ave., Bowling Green.
Artists who cannot make any of the scheduled auditions, should contact Brown to discuss alternative arrangements (stbrown43@gmail.com).
