Rockinâ?? good time. â??Let the Good Times Rollâ?? runs at Harlequin in Olympia through July 22
Want to do something fun on a summer evening? Go to the Harlequin production of “Let the Good Times Roll!” Based on the music of Atlantic Records recording stars such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Sam and Dave and others, five singers/dancers put rhythm and soul into an evening’s performance.
It began with “Memphis Soul Stew” by the band. The band, under the direction of Bruce Whitney, is outstanding. Each of the five musicians must have between 20 and 30 years of quality experience, performing with Dizzy Gillespie, The Temptations, the Four Tops and even (rock on!) Tacoma Symphony Orchestra.
The band had many spotlight performances of their own and still did a great job backing up the singers.
Eric Lee Brotherson, Lisa Estridge, Tanesa Ross, Geoffery Simmons and Jess Smith rocked us all night long. They belted, swayed and sang, sang, sang. It was wonderful. Ross throbbed through “Respect” and “Natural Woman.” Brotherson took us through “Soul Man” with James Brown moves and sobbed through “When a Man Loves a Woman.” Simmons was athletic and well muscled. He serenaded us through “Dock of the Bay” and danced us through “Mustang Sally.”
Smith torched us through “Georgia” and “Chain of Fools.”
Estridge sang and danced through “Cool Jerk” and brought down the house in “Dr. Feelgood.” She is an outstanding performer. If they were doing a hip pop, her hip went out farther and sharper. If they were doing a shimmy, she was shimmier. She just did every move more precisely and more expressively.
This is the third year that the Harlequin has put on a musical review for its summer production. Shows is Seattle and Tacoma charge higher ticket prices and put the audience further from that action than Harlequin, which puts you up close and personal. I would be mightily surprised if the worst seat in the house was more than 60 feet away from the stage. Add the fact that the singers came out into the audience time and time again sitting on laps, picking dancing partners, or just plain serenading, and you see what an experience the rock reviews are in Olympia. People in the audience sang, clapped, shouted, whistled and at the very least danced in their seats.
The stage had been raised since last year’s “Dancin’ in the Aisles” so there is more room for the audience to dance along. Many of them did, especially the younger girls. It was so much fun.
“Let the Good Times Roll!” runs at Harlequin in Olympia until July 22. Call (360) 786-0151 for tickets and information.
