Every January for the past 15 years (except one), Gloria Herauf and the Beach Street Players gather to begin the final rehearsals for the latest 鈥淗ave a Heart鈥� Musical Revue. Each year, Herauf, an amazing creative musical theatre aficionado writes, produces and directs a delightful light-hearted show featuring the amazing talents of some very gifted valley vocalists and musicians.
On the first Sunday of the new year, at rehearsal, the vocalists have clearly been practicing their songs, but this is only the second coming together of the whole cast. There is still much to do, and one can sense a palpable realization on their part that they will have just six weeks to master the show before opening night, on Feb. 7.
Some of the cast have been with Herauf from the start and know they will pull it off, but for new members it is a little disconcerting. This year鈥檚 show, 鈥淣ow, That鈥檚 Entertainment鈥� set in the reborn Roxy Theatre, is a musical review across the decades and genres as the Beach Street Players recreate the songs through the glory days of the Roxy Theatre. From Benny Goodman鈥檚' "Sing, Sing, Sing" to Barry Manilow's "I Write the Songs"; from Nat King Cole's "Unforgettable" to Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" from Hair's "Good Morning Sunshine" to Abba's "Dancing Queen" and of course, "Putting on the Ritz".
The Have a Heart shows have been supported by the Strathcona-Sunrise Rotary Club which does the logistics and marketing. Everyone associated with the show is a volunteer. All net proceeds stay in the valley to support various community needs. To date, this generous spirit, with the wonderful support of the community and many businesses has raised more than $250,000 to do good in the Comox Valley.
For an evening or afternoon of wonderful entertainment with an amazing cast and orchestra, don鈥檛 miss 鈥淣ow That鈥檚 Entertainment.鈥� Tickets are just $25.00 and available at Benjamin Moore鈥檚 House of Color or Blue Heron Books. There will be five performances, three matinees on Feb. 8, 9 and 15 and two evening performances Feb. 7 and 14. Don鈥檛 miss-out, get your tickets now.
