Cheri Emahiser and Mike Rutt in the opening number, “This Is It!” (Photo by Nelson Rodriguez)
Gail A. Nelli
Pages from the Great American Songbook, a song and dance show of outstanding music standards from the Golden Age of Broadway and Hollywood musicals, will have two performances: a matinee at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21, and an evening performance at 7:30 p.m. on March 22. Tickets are available for only $28 online via dvpac.net or at the SaddleBrooke TWO Administration building in person or by calling 520-818-1000, Ext. 4.
Our biannual show started more than 20 years ago as a special talent night for the SaddleBrooke Singers. As the show grew in popularity and size, it became its own production company, showcasing the amazing talent of our SaddleBrooke neighbors. This year’s variety show is certain to be an entertaining evening of up-tempo swing- and jazz-influenced songs and dances, as well as touching ballads and torch songs. You’ll be tapping your toes to songs like “Steppin’ Out with My Baby,” by the Desert Blend Barbershop Quartet, and a George and Ira Gershwin medley called “Swingin’ with the Gershwins,” performed by a show choir from the SaddleBrooke Singers. Sultry songs like “Fever” and “That Old Black Magic,” sung by Tina Wrbanek and Cheri Emahiser, will have you snapping your fingers as you sway to the beat. With a script written by the director, emcees Fran Berman and Doug Wolf have been hard at work preparing the song introductions that include many interesting facts about these 24 timeless music standards.
As a nonprofit organization, some of our proceeds from these shows will be used to purchase much-needed head mics. The FCC will soon be requiring a different frequency, making our older head mics obsolete. We also will choose a charitable cause to support, as we have always done with each show in the past. Of course, some seed money will be kept to finance our next variety show in 2025!
The 42-member company of singers and dancers has been working tirelessly with Director Gail Nelli, Assistant Director Monica Gray, and Dance Coordinator Ann Kurtz to bring you a high quality show. If you have not yet purchased your tickets, we suggest you do so very soon.