HOW TO GO
What: Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra SuperPops presents “Oh What a Night: Billboard Hits of the 60s”
Where: Schuster Center, 1 W. Second St., Dayton
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 4 and 5
Cost: $21-$76
More info: 937-228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com
This weekend, the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra will be exploring the eclectic radio programming of the 1960s. During that period, chart space was shared by acts as diverse as The Fifth Dimension, Frank Sinatra, Marvin Gaye, The Champs and Louie Armstrong. All of those acts will be featured in “Oh What a Night: Billboard Hits of the 60s,” a DPO SuperPops concert at the Schuster Center in Dayton Friday and Saturday.
“These are all huge pop hits,” said Teri Kocyigit, president and CEO of Broadway Pops International. “It’s all American artists that were hitting the pop charts in the U.S.A. between 1957 and 1969. There’s no British Invasion stuff, which is all great, but that’s another whole set of music.
“We wanted this to focus on American music, so it’s just a nonstop barrage of one hit after another,” she said. “It’s all feel-good music with three amazing Broadway talents delivering the songs.”
For this concert, which is one of more than 30 themed shows offered by BPI, the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra will be accompanying performers Ron Bohmer, Andrew Samonsky and Derrick Baskin.
Bohmer is currently in the midst of a year-long run starring in the touring version of “Book of Mormon,” the smash Broadway musical from the creators of “South Park.” However, he books performances such as “Oh What a Night” on open weekends.
“Doing ‘Book of Mormon’ is great,” Bohmer said. “It’s the best day job ever. I’m very lucky because they like to keep their people happy and they’ve been very generous about allowing me out to do things I’m passionate about like concerts.
“I really love symphony work in particular,” Bohmer continued. “It’s such a thrill to sing with a great symphony orchestra. I get the idea it’s a lot like what a racecar driver feels like except, rather than a machine, you’re dealing with all this music that’s being created by all these incredible musicians. It’s quite a rush.”
Kocyigit is certain “Oh What a Night” will be equally moving for audience members.
“They call it pops for a reason,” she said. “It’s musical comfort food for the soul. It’s a heartwarming and also romantic experience. It’s high entertainment and a lot of fun. The show has everything. It’s got dance music, pop music and the great ballads. They’re all home runs.
“When people go to the symphony they want to forget their cares, forget their troubles,” Kocyigit said. “They want to hear great music and great singing and that’s exactly what they’re going to get.”
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