BIG SUCCESS FOR ELLA’S LOUNGE !
Touching, funny and captivating, the Russell Association for the Performing Arts’ (RAPA) first original production, entitled Ella’s Lounge, a Rock Opera, has lived up to the expectations of the public during performances from April 18 to 21.
There was talent on stage at Russell High School to present this original piece, co-created by local actor and musician Dave Rama, and local actor, director and teacher Kevin Kennedy. The play revolved around a father and a son who had the chance to reconnect by dialing a musical number to pay tribute to their late wife and mother, Ella.
The writers were able to strike a balance with this touching production, incorporating a perfect dose of humor. The public will remember, among other things, a scene where we find the on-stage band in the middle of yoga ...dressed in quite a particular way; a scene that made all laugh out loud!
But the public will especially remember the extraordinary talent of some 20 musicians, who made up a rock choir, a pit band and an on-stage band, the dance crew led by choreographer Julia Gutzig, the five main actors, along with the work done by about two dozen crew members.
Ella’s Lounge, a Rock Opera was so successful that the four performances scheduled for April 18 to 21 all sold out. RAPA even added a performance for the morning of April 21.
Kennedy served as the director, while Rama was the musical director and Sandra McNeill was the producer. At the end of the first presentation, Russell Township Councillor Cindy Saucier presented RAPA, on behalf of Russell Township, a Certificate of Congratulations and recognition for all the work done for Ella’s Lounge.