NEW GLASGOW, N.S. — The Funtastiks and Friends will present Broadway and Beyond on Nov. 23 at 3 p.m. at Saint Andrew’s Church in New Glasgow.
From Dartmouth, the Funtastiks are Eleanor Hall and Jennifer Eames. They are divas who share a passion for having fun while making music and entertaining. They both love Broadway tunes. They are joined by their friends, June Rigden (piano), Martin Walker (guitar) and Laurene Mac Donald (narrator).
A Pictou County native, Eleanor Hall (soprano), loves to sing and has been performing since the age of six. In 2006, she concluded a successful career as a music specialist, choral conductor, drama teacher and English Department Head. After graduate studies at the University of Alberta, Hall wrote many plays including Harry and the Boss, Babes on Broadway and Hooked on Classics.
Jennifer Eames (alto) performs frequently as a vocalist, guitarist and accompanist. She has sung and played the guitar and bodhran for many groups. During her 30 years doing group and individual psychotherapy for adults with mental health concerns, Eames found music to be a wonderful elixir for the soul.
June Rigden (piano) is a retired music teacher and choral conductor. She has a major in piano performance and has been a collaborative accompanist for many choirs and soloists.
Martin Walker is an accomplished guitarist who performs frequently with Acoustic Firefly and the King Street Band.
Broadway and Beyond is a fast- paced, humorous and at times, poignant show. The varied repertoire includes some of Broadway’s finest hits such as selections from My Fair Lady, Porgy and Bess and Finian’s Rainbow. There are also songs from modern musicals like For Good (Wicked) and all That Jazz (Chicago) and from less known musicals such as Crazy World (Victor, Victoria). As well, the performers will sing one of the best competition duets ever written - Anything You Can Do, ( Annie Get Your Gun).
You may be frightened by Hall’s dramatic performance of the vampire countess in Love Potion #9. One of the highlights of the program is Eames’ portrayal of the seductress in Big Spender.
When Broadway and Beyond was presented in Dartmouth, one audience member said, ”We were blown away by the talent and professionalism but, more importantly, we were superbly entertained - the time just flew by."
Don’t miss this concert and help the Kirk celebrate its 200th anniversary. Proceeds are going to the Pipe Organ Restoration Fund.
