Take a trip down to the Jersey Shore and see Under the Boardwalk, currently playing at Pines Dinner Theatre, located at 448 N. 17th St. in Allentown. Enjoy a fun afternoon or evening of music and reminiscing!
Amber Blatts sassiness as Betty Jean contrasts nicely with Jennifer Willss deadpan as her sister Missy. Stacey Yoder plays Cindy the workaholic very business-like, but with a twinge of sadness and regret as well. Stacy Bechtel as Cindys best friend Rhonda is enthusiastic. She is a bookworm, and yet lovable because she is clueless.
Together the girls form a singing group called the Salt Water Taffy, a group whose last performance was in 1964/65, a one-night gig, as this one is.. Throughout their concert, anyone in the audience born in the sixties or earlier takes a trip down memory lane with songs from the sixties, such as "Under the Boardwalk", "Be My Baby" and "Respect".
Everyone in the cast brings something different to the Salt Water Taffy. For example, Yoders alto is powerful, especially during "Heatwave" and "I Will Survive". Bechtels contralto is sweet as she leads "Its My Party" Blatts soprano is strong, and yet again sassy, especially on Leader of the Pack" and "Son of a Preacher Man". Willss mezzo-soprano is soulful, particularly on "Its in His Kiss" and "Marry Me, Bill". All ladies provide excellent backup vocals, bringing each of their particular strengths, especially on "You Dont Own Me", "Respect" and "Its My Party".
Throughout the songs, the audience learns about the mid 1960s summer and why the ladies havent performed together since then. Mainly, we learn about relationships with boys and perceived disloyalty, particularly surrounding a boy dubbed "the lifeguard at Station 22", real name Tony. This part is entertaining, and also heartwarming for anyone whos every gone through unrequited love!
Yoder and Oliver Blatt co-direct this fun show, and Bechtel provides the musical direction.
Show tickets are $30 for adults, $20 for children ages 2-12. Food is available a la carte.
The show runs select Wednesdays and Thursdays at 1:30, as well as Sundays at the same time; and Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm through June 20.
For tickets, please call 610-433-2333 or visit pinesdinnertheatre.com