“I hope you like old music,” Al McCully said to patrons taking their seats. “It’s the only kind I know.”
Last Sunday, Al and his singing partner Marion took the stage at The Cutter Theatre to perform songs from the 50s, 60s, and 70s in their original style. Taking the audience on a nostalgic ride in the show titled “Remember,” the couple proved to be a charming pair as they sang various classic tunes.
Al opened the show with “Do You Remember These” by the American country group, The Statler Brothers. Since this 1972 hit recalls pop culture and memories from the 1950s, it perfectly sets the tone for the trip down memory lane. A notable solo from Al included a fun rendition of “Folson Prison Blues,” where he displayed his sense of humor.
“I should have brought my guitar. I guess I can do air guitar,” Al tells the audience as he mimics a guitar playing motion during the Johnny Cash number.
Al also highlighted his soulful voice with performances of Leonard Cohen’s “What a Wonderful World” and Willie Nelson’s “Always On My Mind.”
Marion showed off her vocal range with several emotional covers of the Patsy Cline tracks “Sweet Dreams of You, “True Love,” “Crazy,” and “Back In Baby’s Arms.” Some other highlights from Marion’s solo series included Bette Midler’s “Rose” and Debbie Reynold’s “Tammy in Love.”
The couple also blended their voices to sing a number of duets, such as “Our Day Will Come” by Rudy and the Romantics, “Harbor Lights” by The Platters, and Brook Benton’s “Just a Matter of Time.” During these romantic ballads, Al’s low voice harmonized well with Marion’s passionate twang.
Early in the show, Al tells the crowds it’s been a year and a half since they have performed in public, so while they crooned to classic songs allowing us to reminisce about the past, seeing a reemerging of more public events reminds us of a hopeful future.
Note From Author:Cutter Theatre is a must-visit for historical gems in North Eastern Washington. Built as a school in Metaline Falls in 1912 and restored in the 1990s, the theatre is also used as a library, event venue, community center, art gallery, museum, and meeting space. The 1 hr and 15-minute journey from Kettle Falls to Metaline Falls makes a lovely day trip through parts of Pend Oreille County. The drive along WA-20 and 31 also includes a large number of accessible hiking trails and lake-side campsites. One interesting pit stop is The Box Canyon Dam, a gravity-type hydroelectric dam on the Pend Oreille River. The dam area also features a campground, swimming area, and hiking trails.
Coming up at Cutter Theater:
Willett’s Flying A, the musical Swoboda family in two acts, and Tara Leininger’s one woman, one act “Chicago Joe” headline our community talent showcase on Friday, May 28. The Cutter Theatre presents 4 Acts for $4 on the 4th Friday of each month through August. The show runs from 6:04 to 8:04 p.m. Beer, wine, and soup (including a vegetarian offering) are available at $4 each when the doors open at 5:34 p.m. and at intermission.
Willett’s Flying A duo Marc Willett and Deanne Hansen do a 60s influenced modern twist on Americana. Says one reviewer, “Willett’s heartfelt writing is intelligent, and the players display the chops of the seasoned professionals that they are.” There are enough musically talented siblings in the Swoboda family to cover two acts! Jim Swoboda has been known to croon a Sinatra tune or two, performing with The Spokane Symphony, The Spokane Civic Theatre, and now The Cutter! His sisters will delight with their own set of songs. The multi-talented local Tara Leininger brings drama back to our stage with her original piece, Chicago Joe.
Performers of all sorts are invited to get on a future 4x4x4 program with a rehearsed 20 minute set. Call the Cutter office at 509-446-4108 or visit www.cuttertheatre.com>calendar to buy your tickets or to put your unique talent on the stage.
Also coming up: Zack Hammond, Comedian on June 13th 6:00 happy hour and 6:30 show $15.
June 26th, Arbour Season in concert, 5:30 dinner and 6:30 show $15.
For updates on upcoming performances and events go online to www.cuttertheatre.com.
