On Theater: ‘Beat’ earns its foot-tapping
Recall any decade in American history over the latter half of the 20th century and chances are you’ll conjure up some music to go with it. Each decade has its own definitive sound.
This was the reasoning behind “The Beat Goes On,” an original show conceived, created and directed by Vanda Eggington at Costa Mesa’s Vanguard University. If Saturday’s performance was any criterion, it’ll bring you to your feet cheering.
Eggington has compiled an album of snippets of songs from the 1950s through the 1990s and matched them with her tremendous ensemble of a dozen young voices and a pair of sharp narrators to produce a thoroughly entertaining evening of theatrical nostalgia. Depending on your age range, some segments will register more strongly than others, but it’s all superbly, and imaginatively, presented.
While the director has provided the musical moments, choreographer Bretlyn Schmitt — a senior at Vanguard — has rendered them splendidly mobile. Her constant movement segments over the five decades presented keep the show hopping with high-voltage energy. She also participates strongly on stage.
Although the ensemble is identified, no credit is given for individual numbers, since they are presented in rat-a-tat vignettes. For the record, the performers are Ben-David Alencar, Winter Bassett, Drew Bradford, Josiah Dominguez, Ashley Elizabeth, Ian Jenkins, Kristina Leopold, Ryanna Marsh, Joshua David Martin, Alex Miller, Austin Nunn and choreographer Schmitt.
Stitching the multifaceted program together are narrators Vincent Catalina and Kelsey Coleman, who not only provide the historical setting for each segment (illustrated by rear-screen projections) but also engage in spirited back-and-forth banter, including a routine inspired by Abbott and Costello’s “Who’s On First?”
The show starts at the birthplace of rock n’ roll, back in the mid-1950s, when a song played over the opening credits of “Blackboard Jungle” became an anthem for the genre — Bill Haley’s “Rock Around the Clock.” We’re given a generous amount of ‘50s melodies with the lyrics of one song serving as counterpoint to the words of another and, of course, Elvis is in the building.
The tone shifts decisively as we move into the 1960s, first with the British invasion of groups such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, and then becomes more strident with the protest songs accompanying the Vietnam war years. Projections illustrate the JFK assassination, the moon landing, the hippie movement, draft card burnings, Woodstock and other strongly identifiable ‘60s moments.
With the 1970s, the war winds down, President Nixon resigns and disco becomes the music of choice for American teenagers. Vanguard’s ensemble has infectious fun putting the latter trend into perspective. Eight-track tapes get a gentle ribbing as well.
The arrival of MTV heralds the 1980s, with music from Madonna and Michael Jackson setting the tone.
As the 1990s arrive, teens are buried in laptops and headphones, devoid of personal communication, and the narrators lift the ear-hugging apparatus of each to unveil their musical choices. It’s an extremely effective method of illustrating how technology has taken over among young people.
Backing the stage action with some terrific sounds from a handful of decades is a miniature orchestra fronted by pianist and leader Janice Rodgers Wainwright. Her fellow music makers are drummer Savannah Cornelison, bass player Sierra Lowry-Shephard and guitarist Joel Valiente.
“The Beat Goes On” truly offers something for everybody with its richly detailed chronology of popular music in the late 20th century. It’s a toe-tapping triumph at Vanguard University.
TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot.
If You Go
What: “The Beat Goes On”
Where: Lyceum Theater, Vanguard University, 55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
When: 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 5 (additional 8 p.m. show on Sept. 25)
Cost: $17 general admission, $14 for seniors and children
Information: (714) 668-6145 or theatre.vanguard.edu
