Meld 17 voices to a dozen tunes — gospel, feel-good and patriotic — and the result is Iola Community Theatre’s “Songs of Inspiration,” which will play five times at the Warehouse Theatre, 203 S. Jefferson Ave. THE 90-MINUTE show starts with “Fly Away Medley,” a series of perky yet easy-listening numbers that will set toes to tapping. THE SECOND act’s initial number is more melodic. “What a Wonderful World” is soothing and prompts memories of the 1970s. DAVID STERN, an announcer for KIKS-KIOL Radio, provides narrative that seamlessly moves one song to another.
Performances will be Saturday and Sunday and again on April 26-27. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Tickets for the dessert presentation — $15 for adults and $10 for students — are available at Sophisticated Rose, 19 S. Jefferson Ave.
Jan Knewtson, director, put together the show with the expectation that local folks are ready for some old-fashioned gospel and spiritual music, some updated a tad, and newer songs that “remind you of the beauty of life.” The show concludes with several patriotic tunes that Knewtson said she hopes “will inspire your thankfulness for freedom we enjoy today.”
The cast has given its all to make the show as good as it is, generously evident at a dress rehearsal Tuesday evening. Rehearsals started eight weeks ago, and have averaged two hours a night, four nights a week. Knewtson figures at least 1,000 accumulated hours of preparation have gone into the show, not counting individual practice time and the work she and the crew have devoted to bring the musical to the stage.
“He Loved Us More — More than Wonderful” blends the 17 voices, with Pam Tressler stepping out for a solo and then a duet with Jim Gilpin.
Those who enjoy upbeat gospel music, there’s none better than “Shut De Do,” which takes a stroll through the Caribbean with Archie Huskey, an Allen Community College student. He dons an unraveling straw hat to accentuate staging, but there’s nothing unraveling about his voice.
Ezekiel’s message is recalled in “Dry Bones,” which has the singers admonishing their listeners to “connect dem bones.” They then turn to the gospel of Matthew to note that “fortunes fade but things of the Lord last forever” in “Lay up your Treasures in Heaven.” Donna Houser has a solo part.
Dan Johnson solos in “Dig a Little Deeper” and asks the audience to look “in the storehouse of His love.” The 1940s gospel song has a boogie-woogie beat that’s delightful.
The first act concludes with a combination of rhythm and blues, country and rock and roll in “He’s Everything,” which gives Sabra Aguirre a platform to command attention with her deep, rich voice.
The popular wedding song, “The Prayer,” is performed by the quartet of Huskey, Gilpin, Gina Storrer and Aguirre.
Susie McKinnis croons “I Will Always Love You” so well that couples won’t be able to resist cuddling.
Then, Storrer, alone on stage, strikes another emotional chord with “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.”
All ICT singers grace the stage for four patriotic numbers, “My Land,” “Because of the Brave,” “To Those who Serve” and “God Bless America.”
In addition to directing the production, Knewton wrote the script for Stern and adapted music to make the show the upscale production it is.
Many others, listed in the program, help bring all together. Servers are from several Iola churches and the Retired Teachers Association.
ICT inspires with ‘Songs’
