Elgin groups to present 'Megahits of the '60s'

One of the most profound decades in the history of popular music will be celebrated this month when more than 160 children and young adults from throughout the Fox Valley present "Megahits of the '60s."

From Bobby Lewis' number one hit in 1961, "Tossin' and Turnin'," to the Beach Boys' number 8 hit in 1964, "Dance Dance Dance," to music from later in the decade, such as Steppenwolf's "Born to Be Wild," this annual summer musical review production by Fox Valley Theatre Company and Children's Theatre of Elgin will feature 40 songs that shaped a generation.

"The breadth of music in the '60s is unmatched by any decade previously or since," said Peter Akemann, director. "The early '60s experienced a continuation of the rock 'n' roll era from the '50s, with songs like 'The Twist' by Chubby Checker. The mid-1960s brought with them the first musical revolution of the decade - the British invasion. Seemingly overnight, groups such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Who and the Kinks released a number of hits that soared to the top of the charts. The second musical revolution, at the end of the decade, introduced hippie and acid rock. This music, like Edwin Starr's 'War,' reflected an era of growing unrest worldwide over a number of issues, including civil rights and the Vietnam War."

Another key to music of this decade, Akemann added, was its simple sound, as the implementation of synthesizers and other audio technologies, as well as the full-sound accompaniment by orchestras, did not occur en masse until the 1970s.

"The music was clean and clear and made a lasting impact on the lives of that generation," Akemann said. "It is no wonder that stars from that era, from the Rolling Stones to Neil Diamond, continue to sell out concerts today."

Producing "Megahits of the '60s" will be a huge undertaking. More than 1,000 costumes will be made, about 20 wireless microphones will be shared during the performances, and hundreds of hours of parental volunteer labor will be needed to build the set, create the publicity, help with cast control, serve concessions, apply makeup and provide technical support needed to run the show. A small contingent of vocal coaches and choreographers has also been hired by producer Greg Cherry to prepare the performers for the show.

As a joint production of FVTC and CTE, "Megahits of the '60s" will feature children who will be entering second grade in the fall through young adults who have not yet turned 21. Many of these performers are veterans of a number of previous FVTC and CTE productions.

"Megahits of the '60s" will be presented at Elgin Community College's Blizzard Theatre at 7:30 p.m. June 20-21 and 27-28. It will also be presented at 3 p.m. June 22 and 29. Tickets are $10, $8 for groups of 20 or more that purchase their tickets at the same time. Tickets can be purchased online at www.elgin.edu/community, by calling the ECC Box Office at (847) 622-0300, or by visiting the ECC box office.

FVTC and CTE are not-for-profit, volunteer-based organizations that provide theater experiences for young adults and children. At least one parent per performer is expected to help with the various aspects of the production, including sewing costumes; constructing the set; chaperoning the cast; or working set changes, lights, and sound.

Fox Valley Theatre Company and Children's Theatre of Elgin are in-residence at the Elgin Community College Arts Center. Support for "Megahits of the '60s" is coming from the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, the Grand Victoria Foundation and the Illinois Arts Council. For show details, contact Susan Heaton, FVTC/CTE office manager, at (847) 214-7152 or at cteelgin@hotmail.com, or visit www.cteelgin.com.