Silvertones to perform favorites from 1940s, 50s
The Silvertones seem perfectly at home in the knotty-pine great room of the Wheaton Park District Leisure Center. An upright piano stands beside the fieldstone fireplace. The drums and horns are in front near the window. Chairs for the singers fill the room, with a clear spot for the dancers.
Cue Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney, “Let's put on a show! It'll be great!”
The Silvertones' shows at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, and 7 p.m. Thursday, May 3, at the Wheaton Park District Community Center will feature classic “Moments to Remember,” with songs and dance numbers from the 1940s and '50s.
The Silvertones first began as a singalong group back in the 1970s. These days, they share their talents with audiences at two performances a year. More than 40 volunteer vocalists from all over DuPage County, most well over age 40, began singing together last fall under the direction of Martha McMillen.
McMillen is a wiry, energetic woman in gold-rimmed glasses. She sang with the chorus for years before directing. Her style alternates tough love and charm as she instructs the group:
“You see those great big whole notes and you want to stay there a week! We said we were doing that cut time. Again.”
The program of songs was chosen by the chorus.
“These are songs that mattered to us, songs from our teenage years,” McMillen said.
Her introductions echo old-school radio announcers: “I'm sure you know this one. As Betty Boop once said, ‘You Belong to Me,'” she says.
Rehearsing twice a week or more, the group is dedicated to putting on its best show. In addition to soloist singers and the talents of a six-piece band, several dance acts take the stage. George Zima is a featured tap dancer. More than 80 years old, George danced on Broadway and for television.
Like with Judy and Mickey's shows, all this singing and dancing has charitable purposes. The Silvertones' performances will benefit the Leisure Center's performing arts programs.
But the biggest benefit seems to be the fun everyone is having.
“Might need oxygen,” one gentleman jokes, as he finds his way back to his seat after a rousing round of jitterbug. The ladies sitting nearby giggle.
“One more time,” McMillan says. A jazzy drum beat covers the piano, heads bobbing and toes tapping in time.
The Silvertones Chorus is putting on a show. And it'll be great!
If you go
If you go
What: Silvertones perform 'Moments to Remember'
When: 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, and 7 p.m. Thursday, May 3
Where: Wheaton Park District Community Center, 1777 S. Blanchard Road, Wheaton
Cost: $7 until Tuesday, May 1; $8 at the door
Info: (630) 655-1415 or <a href="http://wheatonparkdistrict.com/">wheatonparkdistrict.com</a>