The Rhythm in Motion Dance Studio is going to give audiences the blues this weekend.
Jason Rearick / The Citizen
BLUES ABOUND
About 30 performers, ages 6 to 17, are going to bring a 1980 movie to life for “The Blues Brothers Show.”
The dance studio owner, Kathy Zamniak-Flanigan, said there's a modern twist in the form of an “American Idol”-like competition.
It has a brutally honest Simon Cowell-inspired character, an encouraging Paula Abdul-like role and instead of Randy Jackson, it has a Randette.
True to the “Blues” spirit, two trumpet players and a saxophone player will participate in the show.
While it's not completely based on the movie, the show will include the plot's basics. Jake will get out of prison, meet up with his brother Elwood, try to save an orphanage and try to collect the money by performing. In the show's version, the brothers are vying for a talent show's prize.
Pam Wilson, director of planning for Seneca Cayuga ARC, adapted the play from the film starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd.
“Well, I'm a ‘Blues Brothers' fan, so that's how it came about,” Zamniak-Flanigan said. She's worked with Wilson for past performances.
“It's everything. In the talent show with the ‘American Idol' part, there are people with flutes, dancing, there's an Aretha Franklin number in there. It's a combination.” the director said.
While Zamniak-Flanigan is producer and director, the young performers are pretty much running the show, she said.
Union Springs senior Amy Hoskins is the musical director. The 17-year-old also served as musical director for the winter play “The Grinch” and had an acting role in “High School Musical” when it was the Union Springs High School play.
An 11-year-old acts as dance captain and another student has the role of stage manager.
Parents, too, have a large role in making the play a success by making sure the children show up on time, and generally supporting the show, the director said.
One mother assisted the director in making the costumes.
She also credits First Love Ministries and the Rev. Bob Canino for allowing her to take over the church for these shows. Her studio is located above the church in an old choir room.
“They fully support, like I do, keeping kids busy and giving them something to do positive,” Zamniak-Flanigan said.
They began working on this play in March, or have put in about eight weeks of hard work.
The director assures everyone will enjoy the show, no matter if they are familiar with the characters or not. The younger people may get inspired by seeing people their age performing, and the adults will appreciate seeing their children stay in character, rather than the child or sibling they see at home, she said.
Staff writer Jessica Soule can be reached at 253-5311, ext 267 or jessica.soule@lee.net
If you go
What: “The Blues Brothers Show”
When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Where: First Love Ministries, 99 Wall St., Auburn
Cost: $8 available at the door
Length: The show will run for an hour and 15 minutes
The dance studio owner, Kathy Zamniak-Flanigan, said there's a modern twist in the form of an “American Idol”-like competition.
It has a brutally honest Simon Cowell-inspired character, an encouraging Paula Abdul-like role and instead of Randy Jackson, it has a Randette.
True to the “Blues” spirit, two trumpet players and a saxophone player will participate in the show.
While it's not completely based on the movie, the show will include the plot's basics. Jake will get out of prison, meet up with his brother Elwood, try to save an orphanage and try to collect the money by performing. In the show's version, the brothers are vying for a talent show's prize.
Pam Wilson, director of planning for Seneca Cayuga ARC, adapted the play from the film starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd.
“Well, I'm a ‘Blues Brothers' fan, so that's how it came about,” Zamniak-Flanigan said. She's worked with Wilson for past performances.
“It's everything. In the talent show with the ‘American Idol' part, there are people with flutes, dancing, there's an Aretha Franklin number in there. It's a combination.” the director said.
While Zamniak-Flanigan is producer and director, the young performers are pretty much running the show, she said.
Union Springs senior Amy Hoskins is the musical director. The 17-year-old also served as musical director for the winter play “The Grinch” and had an acting role in “High School Musical” when it was the Union Springs High School play.
An 11-year-old acts as dance captain and another student has the role of stage manager.
Parents, too, have a large role in making the play a success by making sure the children show up on time, and generally supporting the show, the director said.
One mother assisted the director in making the costumes.
She also credits First Love Ministries and the Rev. Bob Canino for allowing her to take over the church for these shows. Her studio is located above the church in an old choir room.
“They fully support, like I do, keeping kids busy and giving them something to do positive,” Zamniak-Flanigan said.
They began working on this play in March, or have put in about eight weeks of hard work.
The director assures everyone will enjoy the show, no matter if they are familiar with the characters or not. The younger people may get inspired by seeing people their age performing, and the adults will appreciate seeing their children stay in character, rather than the child or sibling they see at home, she said.
Staff writer Jessica Soule can be reached at 253-5311, ext 267 or jessica.soule@lee.net
If you go
What: “The Blues Brothers Show”
When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Where: First Love Ministries, 99 Wall St., Auburn
Cost: $8 available at the door
Length: The show will run for an hour and 15 minutes
