ROCK ON.
The cast of Decades rocks the stage at Deerhurst Resort as part of its action-packed ode to the past six decades of popular music.
Submitted photo
HUNTSVILLE – Give the cast members of Decades 90 minutes and they’ll give you a trip through the past six decades of music genius.
The show has been on stage at Deerhurst for over 30 years and has gone through a number of transformations, everything from its name to the style of show.
“The show has evolved over the years,” said Ali Rowntree, Decades show manager. “I’ve never seen anything like this except in (Las) Vegas on the Strip and even then it’s not the same because those are all girls with great big plumes and funny costumes that quite frankly are cheesy. We’re not cheesy. I think we’re funny, classy and highly unique.”
Throughout the 90 minute performance the cast performs a number of music hits from the 1950s to the present, along with comedic scenarios. It’s a show that will have you so revved up you won’t want to go home.
“At the end of the show people come up to us and say ‘OK, now what?’” she said.
With room for 230 guests, the show casts an intimate environment allowing the audience to feel connected to the performers.
“I think having fun on stage is a big, big part of what the audience feels. I mean we get right out of control having fun sometimes,” said Rowntree. “I think that is a big part of what makes the audience enjoy the show. The other side of it is, it is so fast paced. It goes at a 150 mph with about 20 to 25 costume changes.”
With three shows a week and two rehearsals, the cast delivers “an extravaganza for the eyes. You will not believe how incredibly professional these young people are and what a product they’ve been able to produce and put out,” said Rowntree.
“Most people that come to see the show tell me the same thing, they cannot believe we have this much talent in Huntsville. I know I should be offended at that in some respects because I’m a Huntsvillian like everybody else. But I’m just not, because I agree with them. It’s a very unique group of young people,” she said.
Rowntree said keeping the show fresh after three decades of performances is easy when you have 60 years of incredible music to pull from.
“Every night is different,” she said. “The people in the cast keep it fresh because they’re so impassioned about it. It’s a show that is constantly being revamped.”
Decades is all about the audience.
“It doesn’t matter what age they are,” said Rowntree. “It really appeals to the masses and children love it ‘cause they just sit there and gawk at it. They’re astounded at the costumes and the makeup and the movement and the fast pace.”
Decades is staged in Deerhurst’s Lodge.
“Deerhurst and the venue that we’re in has allowed us to perform in a different way and a more stable manner than most theatres might have offered in that we’re always there,” said Rowntree.
Once the season winds down in town, the crew will take the show on the road, travelling to other parts of Ontario.
For tickets phone 1-800-461-4393.