Photo courtesy of TCG Entertainment
A Familiar Tune
Upcoming CSO shows take listeners down memory lane
Two touring shows featuring the Columbus Symphony Orchestra this winter have had a reputation for attracting audience members of all ages.
The Spy Who Loved Me, showing at the Ohio Theatre in January, has had diverse audiences ranging from teens to seniors in their 80s, says Steve Cook, president of TCG Entertainment.
Cook’s company also produces Faithfully – A Symphonic Tribute to the Music of Journey and Classic Rock, and he says that while one would think the show would attract mainly 35-45 year olds, audience members in their 70s are right there with everyone else, rocking out.
“People know the words to every song,” he says.
Photo courtesy of CAPA
A Familiar Tune
The Spy Who Loved Me
Nostalgia also surrounds The Spy Who Loved Me. Cook says the audience often chuckles in remembrance upon hearing a song.
Featuring songs from spy movies and TV shows from the 1940s to today, The Spy Who Loved Me showcases music from Mission: Impossible, Get Smart, Dick Tracy and The Pink Panther, along with tunes from the Austin Powers and James Bond films.
“It really crosses a wide range,” Cook says.
Some of the pieces were already well orchestrated, while others were orchestrated for the show. Sheena Easton and Broadway actor Mike Schwitter sing solos and duets, and the show concludes with Easton singing her own James Bond theme: “For Your Eyes Only.”
“This show really works well for her,” Cook says of Easton.
The show launched in July with the San Francisco Symphony.
“It was great; it was very exciting,” Cook says.
Photo courtesy of TCG Entertainment
A Familiar Tune
Faithfully
Launching about three years ago, Faithfully has played with orchestras all over North America and Canada, Cook says.
As a 44-year-old, Cook grew up with Journey, calling it the “soundtrack of (his) life.” When he was looking at shows to create, he realized the band’s music hadn’t yet been featured in a symphony space.
Faithfully is actually comprised of a couple of different bands that tour for the production. The show features hits including “Open Arms,” “Wheel in the Sky” and the titular “Faithfully.”
“Don’t Stop Believin’” is saved for the show’s closing number. At that point, Cook says, everyone is up and dancing.
If You Go
The Spy Who Loved Me, 8 p.m., Jan. 16
Faithfully, 8 p.m., Feb. 13
Both shows will be performed at the Ohio Theatre. Visit www.columbussymphony.com for ticket information.
Sarah Sole is an editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
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