Society for the Prevention of Rock and Roll
written and directed by Michael Minions
October 24th-27th, 2024
It is a fine spring morning in Southeast Kelowna in 1958. Singers are auditioning for the Dominion Day talent show. They can perform anything they like--anything but that evil rock and roll!
UPGOOD: Of late we have been alarmed by the incursion of new forms of so-called ‘music’ into our community,
especially amongst our youth. In order to protect the moral standards we so cherish, we, at Belgo United, have formed a Society for the Prevention of Rock and Roll. Our first event will be a talent show to be held at the East Kelowna Hall on Dominion Day. Today we will be auditioning acts for inclusion in what promises to be an inspiring, entertaining, and wholesome event.
Poster designed by Jeremy Beaulne.
CREW
CREATOR AND DIRECTOR - Michael Minions
CHOREOGRAPHER - Cassidy Janzen
VOCAL COACH/ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - DeAnna MacArthur
STAGE MANAGER - Jason Woodford
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER - Jeremy Beaulne
CAST (in order of appearance)
BOB THE CUSTODIAN - Michael Minions
❧ Mike retired from Okanagan College a couple years ago and likes to play music for amateur theatre productions. He came to Kelowna in 1981 to work at the TV station.
ELEANOR E. EDGEWORTHY - Tina Theberge
❧ Tina arrived in Kelowna four years ago. She hails from Los Angeles and studied and worked in television and film for many years. Tina rediscovered theatre and Red Dot gave her an opportunity to practice her talents on stage.
REVEREND FAIRFIELD UPGOOD - Harry Grossmith
❧ After retiring in 2012, Harry found "theatre" through the Red Dot Players. Some might be so bold as to say "he's not bad - for an amateur!"
KEELY SMITH - Naomi Neukom
❧ Naomi is thrilled to be on stage with the Red Dot Players for this production. New to community theatre, she welcomes the opportunity to try new things!
ELLA FITZPATRICK - Shan Owens
❧ This is Shan's first production with Red Dot Players. Having been away from the stage for twenty years, she is thrilled to be back and to be part of this wonderful cast and show.
MARIE D'ANJOU - Gabby Romancini
❧ Originally from Brazil, Gabby moved to Canada when she was six years old. She’s a singer and actress, and she's thrilled to be part of this wonderful community!
ELISE D'ANJOU - Vanessa Costa
❧ Vanessa loves theatre, music, and '50s fashion. When she saw the casting call for SPRR, she thought: “I really wanna be in this show!” Vanessa is having lots of fun on the stage at OC, but if this was the 50s, you would certainly find her at the secret club called Hernando’s Hideaway. Shhhh!!!
JULIE RUTLAND/NAT COLEMAN - Senna Padula
❧ Senna is thrilled to make her debut with the Red Dot Players! Currently a full-time student at OC, she is pursuing her dream of becoming a teacher. She has recently discovered that both acting and teaching involve pretending you know what’s going on—except here, people clap for it!
FRANK SONATA - Jason Pyett
❧ Jason is excited to return to the Red Dot Players for his second production, having recently entered the world of theatre in 2024. He brings his passion for acting and love of jazz and popular classics to the role of Frank Sonata, ready to transport you back in time with beloved songs from the fifties.
ROSEMARY MOONEY - Shannon Bracken
❧ Although her students don’t always enjoy singing verb songs, Shannon firmly believes singing creates happiness. She is thrilled to be part of a show that will bring joy to audiences though song. So, sing along, learn a bit about Kelowna history, enjoy the show and leave happy!
PEGGY DEE - Corinne Marks
❧ Still working with SD23, Corinne enjoys doing all kinds of theatre activities: acting, costuming and occasionally a song or two. Just having fun in her spare time!
DORIS DAYTON/BERNICE BARTLETT - Peg Barcelo
❧ A veteran of film and theatre, Peg has spent much of her career performing in various bands, or doing improv or stand up at clubs and corporate events in Alberta. She came back to community theatre after a nineteen-year hiatus in May of 2019 and is thrilled to be performing with Red Dot.
ELWOOD PARSLEY/ELLIS PRESTON - Jason Desautels
❧ Jason is thrilled to take part in Red Dot Players’ latest production. Expect to be entertained by his acting, singing and (first time ever) dancing.
DON MORTON - Graham Daley
❧ Graham has lived in the Okanagan for twenty-six years and has loved growing up here. Lots of memories of going to the theatre with his Oma and Mom, and playing in the orchards on Dilworth. Enjoy the show!
MARNIE MONROE - Cassidy Janzen
❧ In her second production with Red Dot, Cassidy is thrilled to be bringing to life the role of Kelowna heiress Marnie Monroe. She would also like to take the opportunity to thank the team for trusting her to choreograph for the first time. GERTIE GEWURZTRAMINER - Nancy Somerville
❧ Nancy discovered community theatre after she moved here from Florida. She loves creating characters, set painting, the 'family' of theatre, and sleeping outdoors without fear of gators.
GRETEL GEWURZTRAMINER - Michelle Tillack
❧ Michelle is delighted to be returning to the stage for SPRR - having previously worked on several productions with Red Dot Players both on and off stage. While preparing for this role, Michelle has gained a new appreciation for the music of the 1950s and hopes you will as well.
JENNIE-LEE LEWIS/BOBBI-SUE HOLLY - Gloria Poulette
❧ Gloria is no stranger to the Red Dot stage and is thrilled to be back, sharing the spotlight with this talented and creative ensemble. She invites you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show and remember, singing along is the best applause, and she’s counting on you to keep it coming!
CINDY-LOU SPARTAN - Rosemary-Jean Thompson
❧ The joy of community theatre and the caliber of local talent is what keeps drawing Rosemary-Jean back in. This is her third Red Dot production and she’s thrilled to be joining the cast in this musical salute to heartwarming songs from the fifties!
BLOSSOM BARLETT - Morgan Monroe
❧ Morgan is fabulous, wonderful, humble and nothing less than spectacular (she is indeed writing this herself). She is excited to finally sing in front of an audience instead of her bedroom walls. She’s hoping for a more enthusiastic response!
CREATOR AND DIRECTOR - Michael Minions
CHOREOGRAPHER - Cassidy Janzen
VOCAL COACH/ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - DeAnna MacArthur
STAGE MANAGER - Jason Woodford
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER - Jeremy Beaulne
CAST (in order of appearance)
BOB THE CUSTODIAN - Michael Minions
❧ Mike retired from Okanagan College a couple years ago and likes to play music for amateur theatre productions. He came to Kelowna in 1981 to work at the TV station.
ELEANOR E. EDGEWORTHY - Tina Theberge
❧ Tina arrived in Kelowna four years ago. She hails from Los Angeles and studied and worked in television and film for many years. Tina rediscovered theatre and Red Dot gave her an opportunity to practice her talents on stage.
REVEREND FAIRFIELD UPGOOD - Harry Grossmith
❧ After retiring in 2012, Harry found "theatre" through the Red Dot Players. Some might be so bold as to say "he's not bad - for an amateur!"
KEELY SMITH - Naomi Neukom
❧ Naomi is thrilled to be on stage with the Red Dot Players for this production. New to community theatre, she welcomes the opportunity to try new things!
ELLA FITZPATRICK - Shan Owens
❧ This is Shan's first production with Red Dot Players. Having been away from the stage for twenty years, she is thrilled to be back and to be part of this wonderful cast and show.
MARIE D'ANJOU - Gabby Romancini
❧ Originally from Brazil, Gabby moved to Canada when she was six years old. She’s a singer and actress, and she's thrilled to be part of this wonderful community!
ELISE D'ANJOU - Vanessa Costa
❧ Vanessa loves theatre, music, and '50s fashion. When she saw the casting call for SPRR, she thought: “I really wanna be in this show!” Vanessa is having lots of fun on the stage at OC, but if this was the 50s, you would certainly find her at the secret club called Hernando’s Hideaway. Shhhh!!!
JULIE RUTLAND/NAT COLEMAN - Senna Padula
❧ Senna is thrilled to make her debut with the Red Dot Players! Currently a full-time student at OC, she is pursuing her dream of becoming a teacher. She has recently discovered that both acting and teaching involve pretending you know what’s going on—except here, people clap for it!
FRANK SONATA - Jason Pyett
❧ Jason is excited to return to the Red Dot Players for his second production, having recently entered the world of theatre in 2024. He brings his passion for acting and love of jazz and popular classics to the role of Frank Sonata, ready to transport you back in time with beloved songs from the fifties.
ROSEMARY MOONEY - Shannon Bracken
❧ Although her students don’t always enjoy singing verb songs, Shannon firmly believes singing creates happiness. She is thrilled to be part of a show that will bring joy to audiences though song. So, sing along, learn a bit about Kelowna history, enjoy the show and leave happy!
PEGGY DEE - Corinne Marks
❧ Still working with SD23, Corinne enjoys doing all kinds of theatre activities: acting, costuming and occasionally a song or two. Just having fun in her spare time!
DORIS DAYTON/BERNICE BARTLETT - Peg Barcelo
❧ A veteran of film and theatre, Peg has spent much of her career performing in various bands, or doing improv or stand up at clubs and corporate events in Alberta. She came back to community theatre after a nineteen-year hiatus in May of 2019 and is thrilled to be performing with Red Dot.
ELWOOD PARSLEY/ELLIS PRESTON - Jason Desautels
❧ Jason is thrilled to take part in Red Dot Players’ latest production. Expect to be entertained by his acting, singing and (first time ever) dancing.
DON MORTON - Graham Daley
❧ Graham has lived in the Okanagan for twenty-six years and has loved growing up here. Lots of memories of going to the theatre with his Oma and Mom, and playing in the orchards on Dilworth. Enjoy the show!
MARNIE MONROE - Cassidy Janzen
❧ In her second production with Red Dot, Cassidy is thrilled to be bringing to life the role of Kelowna heiress Marnie Monroe. She would also like to take the opportunity to thank the team for trusting her to choreograph for the first time. GERTIE GEWURZTRAMINER - Nancy Somerville
❧ Nancy discovered community theatre after she moved here from Florida. She loves creating characters, set painting, the 'family' of theatre, and sleeping outdoors without fear of gators.
GRETEL GEWURZTRAMINER - Michelle Tillack
❧ Michelle is delighted to be returning to the stage for SPRR - having previously worked on several productions with Red Dot Players both on and off stage. While preparing for this role, Michelle has gained a new appreciation for the music of the 1950s and hopes you will as well.
JENNIE-LEE LEWIS/BOBBI-SUE HOLLY - Gloria Poulette
❧ Gloria is no stranger to the Red Dot stage and is thrilled to be back, sharing the spotlight with this talented and creative ensemble. She invites you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show and remember, singing along is the best applause, and she’s counting on you to keep it coming!
CINDY-LOU SPARTAN - Rosemary-Jean Thompson
❧ The joy of community theatre and the caliber of local talent is what keeps drawing Rosemary-Jean back in. This is her third Red Dot production and she’s thrilled to be joining the cast in this musical salute to heartwarming songs from the fifties!
BLOSSOM BARLETT - Morgan Monroe
❧ Morgan is fabulous, wonderful, humble and nothing less than spectacular (she is indeed writing this herself). She is excited to finally sing in front of an audience instead of her bedroom walls. She’s hoping for a more enthusiastic response!
The Songs (Act 1)
1. "You Belong to Me" - #1 hit for Jo Stafford in 1952.
2. "I Love Paris" - Written by Cole Porter in 1953.
3. "Under Paris Skies" - Written for an 1951 French film Sous le Ciel de Paris. Recorded by Edith Piaf.
4. "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" - 1952 novelty song by The Four Lads.
5. "Old Cape Cod" - Published in 1957, gold record for Patti Page.
6. "Fly Me to the Moon" - Written by Bart Howard in 1954 and originally titled ‘In Other Words.’ Made famous by Frank Sinatra.
7. "The Best Thing for You (Would Be Me)" - Written by Irving Berlin in 1950 for Ethel Merman to sing in the Broadway show Call Me Madam.
8. "If I’d Knew You Were Comin’ I’d’ve Baked a Cake" - Billboard #1 in March 1950. Also sung by Ernie and the Cookie Monster (1969).
9. "Love and Marriage" - Introduced by Frank Sinatra in a 1955 television production of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town.
10. "Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend" - Made famous by Marilyn Monroe in the 1953 movie.
11. "Whatever Lola Wants" - Originally performed by Gwen Verdon as the Devil’s assistant in the 1955 Broadway musical Damn Yankees.
12. "Que Sera Sera" - Introduced by Doris Day in the 1956 Alfred Hitchcock film The Man Who Knew Too Much.
13. "All Shook Up" - #1 Billboard hit for Elvis Presley in 1957
14. "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White" - Written in 1950 it became a #1 hit for Perez Prado in Mexico in 1953 and the US in 1955.
15. "Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime" - Written in 1947, it had several unsuccessful recording attempts until Dean Martin made it a hit in 1964.
16. "Misty" - An instrumental composed during a 1954 foggy airplane landing at O’Hare airport in Chicago, with lyrics added later.
17. "Unchained Melody" - Written for a 1955 prison movie called Unchained, it was nominated for an Academy Award.
18. "Where Is Your Heart" - Also known as The Song from Moulin Rouge after the 1952 film where it was lip-synced by actress Zsa Zsa Gabor. In North America there were popular lush orchestral versions by Percy Faith and Mantovani.
19. "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" - Originally written in 1953, it became the easy-listening signature song of Tony Bennett.
20. "Fever" - Best-known from Peggy Lee’s somewhat modified 1958 cover version. She slowed it down and added the verse about Romeo and Juliet.
21. "Great Balls of Fire" - Recorded by Jerry Lee Lewis in 1957, it sold a million copies in 10 days.
The Songs (Act 2)
22. "Catch a Falling Star" - Based on a theme from Brahms, it was a hit for Perry Como in 1957.
23. "Enjoy Yourself" - The first popular recording by Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians was made in November 1949.
24. "High Hopes" - First popularized by Frank Sinatra in the 1959 film A Hole in the Head, it won an Oscar for Best Original Song.
25. "Jump, Jive and Wail" - One of the signature jazz swing songs for Louis Prima in 1956. Keely Smith was a backup singer on the recording.
26. "Too Close for Comfort" - Written for the 1956 Broadway musical Mr. Wonderful starring Sammy Davis Jr.
27. "Smile" - Originally composed by Charlie Chaplin for his 1936 film Modern Times with a melody based on Puccini’s Tosca, words were added in 1954 and it became a chart hit for Nat King Cole that year.
28. "Cry Me a River" - Originally written in 1953 for Ella Fitzgerald in the movie Pete Kelly’s Blues, but dropped by the producers. Composer Arthur Hamilton was approached by former high school classmate Julie London who recorded the song in 1955. Her recording has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
29. "That’ll Be The Day" - A gold record for Buddy Holly and the Crickets, recorded in 1957.
30. "Unforgettable" - Originally titled ‘Uncomparable.’ Recorded by Nat King Cole in 1951.
31. "You Don’t Know Me" - A song of secret love written by Eddy Arnold and Cindy Walker during a Nashville disk jockey convention in 1955.
32. "Hey Look Me Over" - Sung by Lucille Ball in the 1960 Broadway musical Wildcat.
33. "I Want to be Evil" - The first song on Eartha Kitt’s 1953 album. Kitt played Catwoman for one season on the 1960s Batman TV series.
34. "Hound Dog" - Originally written for and recorded by Big Mama Thornton in 1952. Best known version recorded by Elvis Presley in 1956.
35. "Mister Sandman" - In 1954 The Chordettes #1 hit version was released both as a 78 and a 45. Their other big hit was ‘Lollipop’.
36. "Music, Music, Music (Put Another Nickel In)" - Biggest-selling version was by Teresa Brewer and the Dixieland All Stars released in December 1949. Became a #1 hit and million-seller in 1950
37. "Satin Doll" - Composed in 1953 as an instrumental by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Johnny Mercer was called in to add lyrics.
38. "Hernando’s Hideaway" - A tango written for the 1954 musical The Pajama Game. Based on a 1920s speakeasy in East Dubuque, Illinois, where Al Capone once hid out from the Chicago police.
39. "Steam Heat" - A song-and-dance number also from The Pajama Game. Choreographed by Bob Fosse, it’s presented as an amateur entertainment at a union rally.
40. "Sway" - Originally ‘Quien Sera?’ this 1953 Mexican song was given English lyrics and recorded by Dean Martin in 1954.
41. "Can’t Help Falling in Love" - Recorded by Elvis Presley in 1961 and featured in the movie Blue Hawaii.
The Characters
The Reverend Fairfield Upgood - Minister of the imaginary Belgo United Church in southeast Kelowna. Holds a Master of Divinity degree from a theological college.
Eleanor E. Edgeworthy - Church secretary and faithful assistant.
Bob the Custodian - Looks after the church building & plays piano.
Keely Smith - Based on the real person (1928-2017). Performed in Las Vegas throughout the 1950s. Born Dorothy Jacqueline Keely. Married to Louis Prima (1953 - 1961). She was the inspiration for the character Squealy Smith in a 1960 cartoon episode of ‘Beany and Cecil’. She had brief affairs with Frank Sinatra and Clint Eastwood.
Blossom and Bernice Bartlett - Imaginary sisters who live on an orchard in southeast Kelowna. The Bartlett pear originated in England around 1765, where it’s called the Williams’ Bon Chretien after the original nurseryman. It’s the most common pear grown outside Asia.
Bing Cherry Boys - The Bing is a type of cherry developed in Oregon in 1875 and named after the Manchurian orchard foreman Ah Bing. Large, dark and rm, but easily split by rainfall just prior to harvest.
Nat Coleman - Based on Nat King Cole (1919-1965). Born Nathaniel Adams Coles in Montgomery, Alabama, Cole was originally a jazz piano player. One of their early numbers was based on the nursery rhyme "Old King Cole Was a Merry Old Soul," so they re-named themselves the King Cole Swingsters.
Connie and the Cannery Crooners - An imaginary girl group who have summer jobs at the Cannery on Ellis. Built in 1912 for the British North American Tobacco Company, the second floor was originally the cigarmaking factory. Bought by the Occidental Fruit Company in 1914 for packing tomatoes and ketchup until 1929. Then run by Canadian Canners (the largest food processing company in the British Empire) until 1960.
Doris Dayton - Based on Doris Day (1922-2019). Born Doris Mary Anne Kappelhoff in Cincinnati, Ohio. Big band singer in 1940s, film star in 50s & 60s.
Peggy Dee - Based on Peggy Lee (1920-2002). Born Norma Deloris Engstrom in North Dakota. Sang with the Benny Goodman orchestra in 1940s. Left when she fell in love with the guitar player, Dave Barbour. Had several hit recordings in the 1950s.
Marie and Elise D’Anjou - Imaginary sisters who live on an orchard in southeast Kelowna. The Anjou pear originated around 1850 in Belgium or France. It does not change colour when it’s ripe.
Ella Fitzpatrick - Based on Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996). Discovered at an amateur night at the Apollo Theater in 1934. Sang with the Chick Webb Band at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem. Marilyn Monroe helped get her booked into the Mocambo nightclub in Hollywood. Has an extensive recording catalogue.
Gertie and Gretel Gewurztraminer - Imaginary sisters who live on a vineyard in southeast Kelowna. The Gewurztraminer grape originates in the village of Traminer, in South Tyrol, a mainly German-speaking province in northern Italy.
Bobbi-Sue Holly - Based on Buddy Holly (1936-1959). Born Charles Hardin Holly in Lubbock, Texas, Holly and his two high school friends formed The Crickets. They were influenced by seeing Elvis Presley perform live in Lubbock.
Jennie-Lee Lewis - Based on pioneer rockabilly piano player Jerry Lee Lewis (1935-2022).
Mac and the Apple Cores - An imaginary vocal group from southeast Kelowna. The McIntosh Red is the national apple of Canada, accidentally discovered growing on a farm in 1811 in Upper Canada. Grows best with clear sunny days and cool autumn nights. Does not grow from seeds, but only by grafting.
Rosemary Mooney - Based on Rosemary Clooney (1928-2002). Aunt of actor George Clooney. Starred in White Christmas with Danny Kaye and Bing Crosby.
Marnie Monroe - Based on Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962). Born Norma Jeane Mortenson in Los Angeles. Spent most of her childhood in foster homes and an orphanage. Founded her own film production company in 1954.
Don Morton - Based on Dean Martin (1917-1995). Born Dino Paul Crocetti to Italian parents in Ohio. Spoke only Italian until the age of 5. Dropped out of school in grade 10. Teamed up with Jerry Lewis as a successful comedy act.
Elwood Parsley - Based on Elvis Presley.
Ellis Preston - Also based on Elvis Presley.
Ruby and the Redhaven Peaches - An imaginary girl group from southeast Kelowna. The domesticated peach can trace its ancestry back to Japan around 4400 BC. The Redhaven was developed at Michigan State University in the 1930s and is the most popular peach grown in North America. It generally ripens in July. Early Redhavens are "clingstone" while regular Redhavens are "semi-freestone," meaning the pit is hard to remove until it’s very ripe.
Julie Rutland - Based on the sultry contralto torch singer Julie London (1926-2000). Recorded thirty albums of pop and jazz standards between 1955 and 1969. Born Julie Peck, her parents were vaudeville actors and radio performers in California. Discovered while working as an elevator operator in a Hollywood Boulevard clothing store. Married to Jack Webb of Dragnet fame.
Cindy-Lou Spartan - Imaginary singer from an apple orchard in southeast Kelowna. The Spartan apple was developed at the Summerland Research Station in 1936. Once thought to be a cross between the McIntosh and the Newton Pippin, genetic analysis has shown the Pippin was not involved.
Frank Sonata - Based on "Ol Blue Eyes," Francis Albert Sinatra (1915-1998). Born to Italian immigrants in Hoboken, New York. He got kicked out of high school for "general rowdiness." He never learned to read music. Was the leader of "The Rat Pack."
1. "You Belong to Me" - #1 hit for Jo Stafford in 1952.
2. "I Love Paris" - Written by Cole Porter in 1953.
3. "Under Paris Skies" - Written for an 1951 French film Sous le Ciel de Paris. Recorded by Edith Piaf.
4. "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" - 1952 novelty song by The Four Lads.
5. "Old Cape Cod" - Published in 1957, gold record for Patti Page.
6. "Fly Me to the Moon" - Written by Bart Howard in 1954 and originally titled ‘In Other Words.’ Made famous by Frank Sinatra.
7. "The Best Thing for You (Would Be Me)" - Written by Irving Berlin in 1950 for Ethel Merman to sing in the Broadway show Call Me Madam.
8. "If I’d Knew You Were Comin’ I’d’ve Baked a Cake" - Billboard #1 in March 1950. Also sung by Ernie and the Cookie Monster (1969).
9. "Love and Marriage" - Introduced by Frank Sinatra in a 1955 television production of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town.
10. "Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend" - Made famous by Marilyn Monroe in the 1953 movie.
11. "Whatever Lola Wants" - Originally performed by Gwen Verdon as the Devil’s assistant in the 1955 Broadway musical Damn Yankees.
12. "Que Sera Sera" - Introduced by Doris Day in the 1956 Alfred Hitchcock film The Man Who Knew Too Much.
13. "All Shook Up" - #1 Billboard hit for Elvis Presley in 1957
14. "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White" - Written in 1950 it became a #1 hit for Perez Prado in Mexico in 1953 and the US in 1955.
15. "Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime" - Written in 1947, it had several unsuccessful recording attempts until Dean Martin made it a hit in 1964.
16. "Misty" - An instrumental composed during a 1954 foggy airplane landing at O’Hare airport in Chicago, with lyrics added later.
17. "Unchained Melody" - Written for a 1955 prison movie called Unchained, it was nominated for an Academy Award.
18. "Where Is Your Heart" - Also known as The Song from Moulin Rouge after the 1952 film where it was lip-synced by actress Zsa Zsa Gabor. In North America there were popular lush orchestral versions by Percy Faith and Mantovani.
19. "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" - Originally written in 1953, it became the easy-listening signature song of Tony Bennett.
20. "Fever" - Best-known from Peggy Lee’s somewhat modified 1958 cover version. She slowed it down and added the verse about Romeo and Juliet.
21. "Great Balls of Fire" - Recorded by Jerry Lee Lewis in 1957, it sold a million copies in 10 days.
The Songs (Act 2)
22. "Catch a Falling Star" - Based on a theme from Brahms, it was a hit for Perry Como in 1957.
23. "Enjoy Yourself" - The first popular recording by Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians was made in November 1949.
24. "High Hopes" - First popularized by Frank Sinatra in the 1959 film A Hole in the Head, it won an Oscar for Best Original Song.
25. "Jump, Jive and Wail" - One of the signature jazz swing songs for Louis Prima in 1956. Keely Smith was a backup singer on the recording.
26. "Too Close for Comfort" - Written for the 1956 Broadway musical Mr. Wonderful starring Sammy Davis Jr.
27. "Smile" - Originally composed by Charlie Chaplin for his 1936 film Modern Times with a melody based on Puccini’s Tosca, words were added in 1954 and it became a chart hit for Nat King Cole that year.
28. "Cry Me a River" - Originally written in 1953 for Ella Fitzgerald in the movie Pete Kelly’s Blues, but dropped by the producers. Composer Arthur Hamilton was approached by former high school classmate Julie London who recorded the song in 1955. Her recording has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
29. "That’ll Be The Day" - A gold record for Buddy Holly and the Crickets, recorded in 1957.
30. "Unforgettable" - Originally titled ‘Uncomparable.’ Recorded by Nat King Cole in 1951.
31. "You Don’t Know Me" - A song of secret love written by Eddy Arnold and Cindy Walker during a Nashville disk jockey convention in 1955.
32. "Hey Look Me Over" - Sung by Lucille Ball in the 1960 Broadway musical Wildcat.
33. "I Want to be Evil" - The first song on Eartha Kitt’s 1953 album. Kitt played Catwoman for one season on the 1960s Batman TV series.
34. "Hound Dog" - Originally written for and recorded by Big Mama Thornton in 1952. Best known version recorded by Elvis Presley in 1956.
35. "Mister Sandman" - In 1954 The Chordettes #1 hit version was released both as a 78 and a 45. Their other big hit was ‘Lollipop’.
36. "Music, Music, Music (Put Another Nickel In)" - Biggest-selling version was by Teresa Brewer and the Dixieland All Stars released in December 1949. Became a #1 hit and million-seller in 1950
37. "Satin Doll" - Composed in 1953 as an instrumental by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Johnny Mercer was called in to add lyrics.
38. "Hernando’s Hideaway" - A tango written for the 1954 musical The Pajama Game. Based on a 1920s speakeasy in East Dubuque, Illinois, where Al Capone once hid out from the Chicago police.
39. "Steam Heat" - A song-and-dance number also from The Pajama Game. Choreographed by Bob Fosse, it’s presented as an amateur entertainment at a union rally.
40. "Sway" - Originally ‘Quien Sera?’ this 1953 Mexican song was given English lyrics and recorded by Dean Martin in 1954.
41. "Can’t Help Falling in Love" - Recorded by Elvis Presley in 1961 and featured in the movie Blue Hawaii.
The Characters
The Reverend Fairfield Upgood - Minister of the imaginary Belgo United Church in southeast Kelowna. Holds a Master of Divinity degree from a theological college.
Eleanor E. Edgeworthy - Church secretary and faithful assistant.
Bob the Custodian - Looks after the church building & plays piano.
Keely Smith - Based on the real person (1928-2017). Performed in Las Vegas throughout the 1950s. Born Dorothy Jacqueline Keely. Married to Louis Prima (1953 - 1961). She was the inspiration for the character Squealy Smith in a 1960 cartoon episode of ‘Beany and Cecil’. She had brief affairs with Frank Sinatra and Clint Eastwood.
Blossom and Bernice Bartlett - Imaginary sisters who live on an orchard in southeast Kelowna. The Bartlett pear originated in England around 1765, where it’s called the Williams’ Bon Chretien after the original nurseryman. It’s the most common pear grown outside Asia.
Bing Cherry Boys - The Bing is a type of cherry developed in Oregon in 1875 and named after the Manchurian orchard foreman Ah Bing. Large, dark and rm, but easily split by rainfall just prior to harvest.
Nat Coleman - Based on Nat King Cole (1919-1965). Born Nathaniel Adams Coles in Montgomery, Alabama, Cole was originally a jazz piano player. One of their early numbers was based on the nursery rhyme "Old King Cole Was a Merry Old Soul," so they re-named themselves the King Cole Swingsters.
Connie and the Cannery Crooners - An imaginary girl group who have summer jobs at the Cannery on Ellis. Built in 1912 for the British North American Tobacco Company, the second floor was originally the cigarmaking factory. Bought by the Occidental Fruit Company in 1914 for packing tomatoes and ketchup until 1929. Then run by Canadian Canners (the largest food processing company in the British Empire) until 1960.
Doris Dayton - Based on Doris Day (1922-2019). Born Doris Mary Anne Kappelhoff in Cincinnati, Ohio. Big band singer in 1940s, film star in 50s & 60s.
Peggy Dee - Based on Peggy Lee (1920-2002). Born Norma Deloris Engstrom in North Dakota. Sang with the Benny Goodman orchestra in 1940s. Left when she fell in love with the guitar player, Dave Barbour. Had several hit recordings in the 1950s.
Marie and Elise D’Anjou - Imaginary sisters who live on an orchard in southeast Kelowna. The Anjou pear originated around 1850 in Belgium or France. It does not change colour when it’s ripe.
Ella Fitzpatrick - Based on Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996). Discovered at an amateur night at the Apollo Theater in 1934. Sang with the Chick Webb Band at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem. Marilyn Monroe helped get her booked into the Mocambo nightclub in Hollywood. Has an extensive recording catalogue.
Gertie and Gretel Gewurztraminer - Imaginary sisters who live on a vineyard in southeast Kelowna. The Gewurztraminer grape originates in the village of Traminer, in South Tyrol, a mainly German-speaking province in northern Italy.
Bobbi-Sue Holly - Based on Buddy Holly (1936-1959). Born Charles Hardin Holly in Lubbock, Texas, Holly and his two high school friends formed The Crickets. They were influenced by seeing Elvis Presley perform live in Lubbock.
Jennie-Lee Lewis - Based on pioneer rockabilly piano player Jerry Lee Lewis (1935-2022).
Mac and the Apple Cores - An imaginary vocal group from southeast Kelowna. The McIntosh Red is the national apple of Canada, accidentally discovered growing on a farm in 1811 in Upper Canada. Grows best with clear sunny days and cool autumn nights. Does not grow from seeds, but only by grafting.
Rosemary Mooney - Based on Rosemary Clooney (1928-2002). Aunt of actor George Clooney. Starred in White Christmas with Danny Kaye and Bing Crosby.
Marnie Monroe - Based on Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962). Born Norma Jeane Mortenson in Los Angeles. Spent most of her childhood in foster homes and an orphanage. Founded her own film production company in 1954.
Don Morton - Based on Dean Martin (1917-1995). Born Dino Paul Crocetti to Italian parents in Ohio. Spoke only Italian until the age of 5. Dropped out of school in grade 10. Teamed up with Jerry Lewis as a successful comedy act.
Elwood Parsley - Based on Elvis Presley.
Ellis Preston - Also based on Elvis Presley.
Ruby and the Redhaven Peaches - An imaginary girl group from southeast Kelowna. The domesticated peach can trace its ancestry back to Japan around 4400 BC. The Redhaven was developed at Michigan State University in the 1930s and is the most popular peach grown in North America. It generally ripens in July. Early Redhavens are "clingstone" while regular Redhavens are "semi-freestone," meaning the pit is hard to remove until it’s very ripe.
Julie Rutland - Based on the sultry contralto torch singer Julie London (1926-2000). Recorded thirty albums of pop and jazz standards between 1955 and 1969. Born Julie Peck, her parents were vaudeville actors and radio performers in California. Discovered while working as an elevator operator in a Hollywood Boulevard clothing store. Married to Jack Webb of Dragnet fame.
Cindy-Lou Spartan - Imaginary singer from an apple orchard in southeast Kelowna. The Spartan apple was developed at the Summerland Research Station in 1936. Once thought to be a cross between the McIntosh and the Newton Pippin, genetic analysis has shown the Pippin was not involved.
Frank Sonata - Based on "Ol Blue Eyes," Francis Albert Sinatra (1915-1998). Born to Italian immigrants in Hoboken, New York. He got kicked out of high school for "general rowdiness." He never learned to read music. Was the leader of "The Rat Pack."
Local playwright hits the right notes featuring 1950s Kelowna in original musical
Michael Minions, creator and director of Society for the Prevention of Rock and Roll.
Travel back in time to 1958, where rock and roll is causing trouble in Southeast Kelowna!
Michael Minions, recently retired as Okanagan College’s Education Technology Coordinator, found an unconventional way to stay active in retirement – writing a musical inspired by popular music from the 1950s with plenty of references to Kelowna’s early days.
The play is titled Society for the Prevention of Rock and Roll and is proudly presented by Okanagan College’s Red Dot players.
“The idea for Society for the Prevention of Rock and Roll came to me while sitting at the piano paging through an old songbook. I came across ‘High Hopes’ and thought to myself ‘That would be a fun song to have a group of people sing in a show.’ It was written in 1959 for a Frank Sinatra movie,” said Minions.
Ultimately, it was a phone call with Minions’ mother that sparked the inspiration for the musical.
“A few weeks later I was on the phone to my mom and sang her the start of You Belong to Me — "See the pyramids along the Nile, watch the sunrise on a tropic isle." She knew all the words because she was 15 years old when the song came out in 1952. That’s when I realized that there was an audience for this kind of vintage music.”
Minions put pen to paper, creating a Kelowna-based rock and roll musical to sweep the stage.
“The play is set in 1958; various musical acts have gathered at the Belgo United Church Hall in Southeast Kelowna to audition for a Dominion Day talent show. The performers are allowed to sing any sort of music they like — any sort of music, that is, except that ‘evil’ rock and roll!” Minions joked.
The show is sure to delight audiences featuring a colorful cast of characters based on 1950s pop culture icons.
“I invented a collection of characters based on thinly disguised 1950s singers — like Frank Sonata, Don Morton, Ella Fitzpatrick, Julie Rutland, Marnie Monroe. I also wove in some local historical references such as the opening of the floating bridge,” Minions said.
Performances of Society for the Prevention of Rock and Roll are taking place at the following times:
Thursday, October 24, 7:00 p.m.
Friday, October 25, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 26, 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 27, 2:00 p.m.
All performances will be held at the Okanagan College Theatre (Room S104, 1000 KLO Road, Kelowna).
Tickets are available at www.reddotplayers.com and will also be sold at the door (Cash only, please).
Michael Minions, recently retired as Okanagan College’s Education Technology Coordinator, found an unconventional way to stay active in retirement – writing a musical inspired by popular music from the 1950s with plenty of references to Kelowna’s early days.
The play is titled Society for the Prevention of Rock and Roll and is proudly presented by Okanagan College’s Red Dot players.
“The idea for Society for the Prevention of Rock and Roll came to me while sitting at the piano paging through an old songbook. I came across ‘High Hopes’ and thought to myself ‘That would be a fun song to have a group of people sing in a show.’ It was written in 1959 for a Frank Sinatra movie,” said Minions.
Ultimately, it was a phone call with Minions’ mother that sparked the inspiration for the musical.
“A few weeks later I was on the phone to my mom and sang her the start of You Belong to Me — "See the pyramids along the Nile, watch the sunrise on a tropic isle." She knew all the words because she was 15 years old when the song came out in 1952. That’s when I realized that there was an audience for this kind of vintage music.”
Minions put pen to paper, creating a Kelowna-based rock and roll musical to sweep the stage.
“The play is set in 1958; various musical acts have gathered at the Belgo United Church Hall in Southeast Kelowna to audition for a Dominion Day talent show. The performers are allowed to sing any sort of music they like — any sort of music, that is, except that ‘evil’ rock and roll!” Minions joked.
The show is sure to delight audiences featuring a colorful cast of characters based on 1950s pop culture icons.
“I invented a collection of characters based on thinly disguised 1950s singers — like Frank Sonata, Don Morton, Ella Fitzpatrick, Julie Rutland, Marnie Monroe. I also wove in some local historical references such as the opening of the floating bridge,” Minions said.
Performances of Society for the Prevention of Rock and Roll are taking place at the following times:
Thursday, October 24, 7:00 p.m.
Friday, October 25, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 26, 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 27, 2:00 p.m.
All performances will be held at the Okanagan College Theatre (Room S104, 1000 KLO Road, Kelowna).
Tickets are available at www.reddotplayers.com and will also be sold at the door (Cash only, please).
