×

A Sparkling opportunity

Local performers bring music of Diamond to life

Courtesy photo Kelly Jo Wise (first row, from left) and Brittany Bettwy Hipp; (second row) Josh Duman and Brett Edwards; (third row) Bryce Cossitor,Rick Herbster and Mike McClure stand in front of the Mishler Theatre where the show will take place.

lthough the legendary performer/musician Neil Diamond stopped touring last year, area musicians bring his signature sound and showmanship to life at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Mishler Theatre.

Presented by Sapphire Sky Entertainment, “The Music of Neil Diamond” features vocalists music director/performer Bryce Cossitor, Rick Herbster and Michael McClure, all of Altoona, Brittany Bettwy Hipp and Kelly Jo Wise both of Hollidaysburg, Josh Duman of Ebensburg and Brett Edwards of State College.

The orchestra is under the direction of Doug Stephens, who also plays percussion, Scott Papal and Eric Foose both on keyboard, Josh Hillard and Kelly Detwiler on brass, Bob Scholl on woodwinds and Ed Kaplan and Rick Herbster on guitar. Susan Cossitor serves as rehearsal pianist.

Sapphire Sky Entertainment is the husband-wife team of Gary and Rolayne Fickes who have decades of theater experience. The two met on the Mishler stage and have been married for 16 years. This is their third offering to the local community. In April 2018 they presented the works of Andrew Lloyd Weber and in December 2018 presented a Christmas show. Their goal is to offer additional performance opportunities for vocalists and dancers in the community, especially those who may not have the time to participate in existing theatrical productions.

“We’re not out to compete with all the other wonderful production offerings but to offer another performance opportunity to the many talented performers in the area. We hope to offer something different that may have a broader appeal and bring new people to the Mishler. I was surprised by how many people told me after our previous shows that it was the first time they’d been to the Mishler.”

The couple chose the set list and invited local vocalists to participate.

“It’s said (Diamond) is no longer able to tour and perform due to health issues,” Rolayne Fickes said. “We thought it was a good fit to bring his music to life on the Mishler stage. We selected different voices to give variety … and we even have women singing. It is very pleasing to hear all these different voices.”

Rolayne pointed out that this is not a tribute concert and the artists bring their own interpretation instead of trying to simply duplicate the original Diamond. The vocalists were selected because “of their energy level as they perform. They enjoy being on stage and we wanted to give them this opportunity and put together a cohesive sound for the audience.”

The production incorporates Diamond’s showmanship and flamboyant style through creative costuming. Also like Diamond, Herbster will play guitar and sing. The audience is encouraged to participate by singing along and even dancing, Rolayne Fickes said.

“Several of our performers are in their 20s and didn’t even know Neil Diamond’s music before they came to rehearsal. Now, they really like it,” she said.

The vocalists will perform solos, duets and a few group numbers. Plus the orchestra will be showcased during its performance of music from “Jonathan Livingston Seagull,” accompanied with mood-enhancing lighting and screen projections.

Gary Fickes retired as technical director of the Mishler in December and is also tech director at Cresson Lake Playhouse and Grier School.

“I am really excited as a big Neil Diamond fan,” Gary Fickes said. “I am really impressed with how faithfully our vocalists perform his pieces. In addition, the orchestra and the staging is going to add a great deal to the performance. I expect that the audience is going to be on their feet dancing most of the show. It is just that kind of music.”

Rolayne Fickes retired from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with 25 years of service working as a county liaison for children. She has acted on stage as well as provided technical assistance behind the scenes and served on related boards.

Diamond, 78, has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and is one of the best-selling musicians of all time with 38 songs in the Top 10 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary charts.

Attendees will enjoy hearing more than 20 of Diamond’s hits, including: “Song Sung Blue,” “Love on the Rocks,” “Desire,” and “America.””

Diamond was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984 and into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and an honoree at the Kennedy Center in 2011. In 2018, Diamond received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

“I think music — no matter when it is written — adds another level of enjoyment to your life,” Rolayne Fickes said. “You know the songs and you learn the words and it makes you feel a lot of emotions … some are sad and some are happy and I think this particular show and the songs we’ve chosen do all of that and the audience will enjoy it.”

Mirror Staff Writer Patt Keith is at 949-7030.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

Starting at $4.39/week.

Subscribe Today