House Band Music Revue tuned up and ready to go – Martinsville Bulletin

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LOOK: To see a short video of a portion of the dress rehearsal, point your smartphone camera at the QR code, then tap the link.
The House Band Music Revue is ready to begin a six-show run at the Blackbox in uptown Martinsville with opening night set for Friday.
The House Band Music Revue held a full dress rehearsal Monday night in preparation for opening night on Friday.
The TheatreWorks Community Players gathered for a full dress rehearsal Monday night at 44 Franklin St. while microphones and lighting were tweaked as the band and singers rolled through one song after another in preparation for the first shows before an audience this weekend.
Zoe Kirk performs a selection in the House Band Music Revue that debuts on Friday.
Billed as a performance with guest singers telling the story of music through various covers filled with some of the most memorable and greatest music of all time, the “tuneful revue will put the emphasis on songs we love.”
Director Joanie McPeak introduces the show.
The first performances will be 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday with a matinee show at 2 p.m. Sunday. The schedule will repeat the following week at 7 p.m. June 28-29 and ending at 2 p.m. June 30. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online.
“I’m a cast member of the upcoming production called ‘House Band Revue’ which opens June 21,” said Tiffany Smart in a shoutout on Monday on the TheatreWorks Community Players Facebook page. “I’m the new kid on the block with no theatre experience whatsoever, but I decided to put myself out there and audition.”
Smart admitted every cell in her body was trembling, but she auditioned and was cast to play in the show.

The House Band warms up on one side of the stage while props for a neighborhood bar are on the other side.
“Two months later I’m getting ready to hop into rehearsal; I’m running late, but I wanted to let you know you’ve got to get tickets to this show,” Smart said. “You’ll have the best time for 20 dollars. You’re going to hear 35 songs in front of a live band, all of whom are fabulous performers.”
Robbie Hendrix-Wirt is no stranger to the Blackbox and the theater scene in the area. With a long list of performances to his credit, he most recently participated in the production of TheatreWorks’ Cabaret.
In addition to performing in the show, Hendrix-Wirt is also the choreographer.
This is “such a super-fun show,” Hendrix-Wirt said. “We have to listen to the music first, get familiar with the music, and from there take it from point A to point B to point C, which is the final show that you guys see.”
Hendrix-Wirt said the choreography was a process of thinking about what was wanted, a careful listening of the lyrics, and then determine how best to match the words and music with the movement on stage.
“It’s upbeat and everything that you want for a show of this caliber,” Hendrix-Wirt said. “We are working and striving our hardest to make everything the best it can possibly be for the audience.”
Barbara Parker, who has been involved in the performing arts in the area, having worked at Piedmont Arts and serving as Commissioner for the Virginia Commission for the Arts, sat in on one of the rehearsals.
“It’s a really fun show,” said Parker. “The live band is terrific, with a guest appearance by Tom Berry on accordion, and the show is full of some of the best tunes ever.”
With Joanie McPeak as director, the cast includes Smart, Hendrix-Wirt, and Brittany Palmer, Heather Minter, Elisabet Minter, Terri Mills, Zoe Kirk, Steve Isom, Rhonda Hopkins, and Lanetta Byrd.
Ann Nichols is the band director and the musicians include David Oakes on guitar, Shannon Gilbert on drums, Berry on accordion, and Mike Greco in charge of lighting and design.
Bill Wyatt (276) 591-7543
bill.wyatt@martinsvillebulletin.com
@billdwyatt on Twitter
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Music Revue
The House Band Music Revue held a full dress rehearsal Monday night in preparation for opening night on Friday.
Zoe Kirk performs a selection in the House Band Music Revue that debuts on Friday.
Director Joanie McPeak introduces the show.
The House Band warms up on one side of the stage while props for a neighborhood bar are on the other side.
LOOK: To see a short video of a portion of the dress rehearsal, point your smartphone camera at the QR code, then tap the link.
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