Physically-distanced musical sparkles in Colton

Drive-in live production contrasts silly songs with serious situations

If you’re in the mood for some laughs, and sparkley clean fun, you may enjoy the physically distanced musical antics happening in Colton, New York this month.

The outdoor extravaganza takes the stage next week, when the Sunday Rock Legacy Project presents “The Sparkley Clean Funeral Singers.” It’s a story of two sisters from Tennessee who land a gig singing in a funeral home, tailoring each song to the dearly departed.

The show producers adapted the story to allow the actors to wear face-shields during the performance, setting the action in the present day. Theater critics have praised playwright Lori Fischer’s script, for its ability to find hilarity and hope in tough times, as four characters battle serious issues including alcoholism, Alzheimer’s disease and compulsive gambling.

Drive in audiences will hear the dialogue and vibrant songs on their car radios.  The score includes blues, rock and country tunes.  Don Chaffer wrote the music and lyrics along with Lori Fischer.

The cast includes Frank Vaisey, Vania Falen, Emily Pelkey, and Jim Fryer. The play also features Crane School of Music student Joshua Barkley as its musical director. Elaine Kuracina serves as the stage director with Jim Wildman, who is also the technical director. His technical assistant, Cooper Sturtz, is a recent graduate of Canton Central High School.

Enjoy “The Sparkley Clean Funeral Singers”  Thursday, August 20th and Friday the 21st at 7 pm; and Saturday, August 22nd at 2 pm in the AmVets back parking lot along Route 56 in Colton. 

Space is limited for each of the three performances, and reservations are required. The tickets are $10 per person or $25 per vehicle. For more information or to make reservations, call (315) 262-2617.

Photos provided by Jim Wildman.