Classic Summer Sounds In SRT’s Latest Show
There’s Good Vibrations aplenty this weekend through June 22 as Sierra Repertory Theatre (SRT) stages Pet Sounds: A Tribute to the Beach Boys
According to SRT Production Director Scott Viets, the production is a first for the Nashville musicians involved as they are new to how shows are staged for the theatre as well as due to the rehearsal hours, which are quite different from showing up for a sound check and then doing a show. He added that the group has performed the music in concert and in arenas but it is their first venture into a theatre.
“We did this last year with Elvis: The Musical, a show that was developed here and we rehearsed it for two weeks ahead of its opening. We are building a set, lighting and staffing it, and I am directing it. We are excited to see what they got and how it translates to our theatre as we mold it into a theatre show.”
Pet Sounds, one of the most important rock albums ever released, gets the attention it deserves and backstory is told for probably the first time in live theatre.
“(The work) greatly influenced the Beatles and the Rolling Stones–what they were doing instrumentation-wise and with harmonies and technology. We owe it to Brian Wilson and Pet Sounds as far as…how it inspired some artists on their heels to do their best work. Act 1 is all about the making of the album and recreating it. It is immersive, audiovisual and a fun history you can hear and the music is being given its proper due credit as to why the album was so special. Then you get to hear all your favorite Beach Boys music in Act 2, which is a regular concert.”
Pet Sounds, the group’s highly progressive 11th album in the space of an immensely productive five years, while initially receiving a lukewarm popular response, is singularly responsible for creating a paradigm shift in album making as well as the sounds and textures–sonic sculptures–used with inspiration from and input by Phil Spector, who became celebrated for his “wall of sound” approach to recording.
SRT Jr.’s summer production in the wings is Wizard of Oz, Jr. with youth rehearsals June 24-July 24 and performances Aug. 2-3. The mainstage version of the show is slated to run June 27-July 27. For youth interested in participating in SRT Jr.’s fall show, Cyrano De Bergerac, he said there might be a few spots available. Rehearsals begin in October with performances in early November. Viets said for interested students and families to check the sierrarep.org website for details.
The other youth program, SRT in Schools, involves the schools that sign up for free performances twice a year that involve SRT actors. Viets shared that the cast from Of Mice and Men will be bringing The Time Machine to local schools, free of charge to the schools. Interested schools should contact SRT directly for details.
Viets estimated that SRT’s youth division comprises about 20 percent of its activities. “It keeps growing. We are year round with nine mainstage shows, three SRT Jr. shows and two shows in schools.” For more information on SRT and all its activities and programs, visit sierrarep.org.
