‘Summer: the Donna Summer Musical’ brings disco to Proctors
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — With the production “Summer: the Donna Summer Musical” opening at Proctors on Tuesday, the Schenectady theater is returning big touring shows to the area.
Make no mistake about it, the jukebox musical is big. It not only tells the life story of Donna Summer but also illuminates an era dominated by a new musical sound — Disco.
Disco! It was a sound that made you want to dance. In actuality, it was so infectious it made you dance.
Beware, the Proctors show might even have you moving and shaking in the aisles. It’s hard to resist such numbers as “On the Radio,” “Hot Stuff” and “Love to Love You Baby.” Indeed, the play list evokes so many happy memories, it makes you wonder why the term “disco” is now a punch line for jokes.
As for the life of Donna Summer, it was so complicated that in the show she is portrayed by three women.
The first is the raw, edgy but talented Duckling Donna. Another is Disco Donna the woman who was termed Queen of Disco.
Finally, there is Diva Donna, the mature woman who looks back on her successes and mistakes. They do not appear in chronological order as the three appear throughout the work. Diva Donna is the glue that links them.
Brittney Smith, who plays Diva Donna on tour, says her character is the emotional realization of the show’s intent. “It’s really about “If I only knew then what I know now” show. My character is the part of all of us who realize our past made us who we are. Donna, who overcame a lot of problems in her life eventually came to like herself and the person she became.”
Smith believes that the audience will be able to relate to the journey Summer had to take to find contentment. “It wasn’t always easy, but she believed in her talent. As she matured, she found wisdom,” adding, “She’s still sassy, but now she’s wise as well.”
The show opens with “The Queen is Back” and closes with “Last Dance,” both showstoppers that are identified with Summer. But Smith says the number that defines the show is “She Works Hard for the Money.” Says Smith, “Donna Summer did not become successful by accident. She worked hard at performing and managing her career. You see her ups and downs in the play. More importantly you see how her life-experiences influenced her songs. This makes them more meaningful.”
Smith also works hard for her money. She was born in Houston, Texas, where, as a youngster, she fell in love with the music of Summer.
Almost immediately after graduating college in Atlanta, she moved to New York to both pursue a career in show business and continue her education. She’s had roles in “The Color Purple,” “Chicago,” and “The Marvelous Wonderettes.” Her tours of “Step Afrika” and “Dreamgirls” have taken her all over the world including Africa and Asia
She claims that her theater home is the road. “I estimate 90% of my professional life has been touring. I love being on the road, seeing new places, making new friends and forming families with the cast.”
In that regard, Smith is a real life Diva Donna. The cast for “Summer” is young and Smith, who says she was born in the 80s, is both a little older and a lot more experienced than most of her castmates. Just as she is the glue of the production when on stage, she is the anchor when exploring new theaters in different cities. “I’m the person people come to for advice,” she says in a voice aching with care.
She is quick to point out though young, the cast is talented. “During rehearsals when I wasn’t in a scene I hung around just to watch the ensemble work. This group is not just background. They are not only phenomenal dancers, they play characters in the story. They are so good.”
She generously adds kind words for the other Donnas. Charis Michelle Gullage who plays Disco Donna is a recent graduate of Loyola University and Amahri EdwardsJones playing Duckling Donna has strong regional credits. “They each have the potential to be stars of the future,” says Smith.
She calls this experience with “Summer” “a love salad.” She describes her role as “meaty,” the songs “fantastic” and her character as “an icon.” “Best of all is the love we get from the audience. There is no way not to like this show.”
She laughed when asked if “Summer” will revive disco. “It never really left,” she answers. “When you see the audience on its feet singing and dancing at the end of the show, you’ll know what I mean.”
“Summer: The Donna Summer Musical” plays Proctors Tuesday — Sunday. Proof of vaccination and face masks must be worn. For schedule and ticket information go to proctors.org or call (518) 346-6204.