Local woman directs Puttin’ on the Ritz

Posted: 6:29 am, June 20, 2014 by Publisher Scott Brennan

A cappella musical at the Clark Center this Saturday

Paso Robles resident Lisa Marmon is directing an a cappella musical this weekend at the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande. The show, “Puttin’ on the Ritz”, is a musical tribute to the 1930’s. It is a full stage professional production with award winning quartets, choruses and features special guest artists from LA.

Marmon retired to Paso Robles five years ago and became active with Sweet Adelines, an a cappella chorus. “Since I am a member of the Directors Guild of America member I stepped up to the job of directing our shows,” says Marmon, “so our musical directors, Dani Avalos Prigge and Thomas Bourne can focus on the music while I stage the action.”

Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 28, when the combined efforts of the Central Coast Celebration Chorus and the Gold Coast Chorus present their annual show Puttin’ on the Ritz!

This musical variety features music from the award winning Celebration Chorus, the well-loved Gold Coast Chorus, and their exciting guests, the Jazz Vocal Quartet from Los Angeles: Ready, Willing, and Mabel.

“Come watch as we take you down the streets of old New York then to the Ritz for an evening of glamour and entertainment fit for all ages,” says Marmon.

Celebration Chorus is a chapter of Sweet Adelines International dedicated to the joy of performing exciting four part harmony. Central Coast Celebration Chorus Director Dani Avalos Prigge took on the challenge of directing the Celebration Chorus in 2006. She has many accolades to her name with over 36 years in Sweet Adelines International. She has competed on the International Stage 36 times and won the title of Queen of Harmony in 1995 with her quartet, Chicago Fire.

Under her leadership, Celebration Chorus continues to learn to be better singers reaping awards at our regional competitions. Avalos Prigge has been singing professionally since the age of 10. Her philosophy is, “Singing is a joy to be shared with the audience.”

Gold Coast Chorus has entertained barbershop music fans for over 40 years with this American tradition. See and hear vocal harmony at its finest and experience Barbershop in the 21st century through this musical mosaic that blends the sparkle and nostalgia of the 1930’s through song, dance, soloists, quartets, and a live band.

Gold Coast Chorus Musical Director Thomas Bourne has been a member of the chorus since 2003. Bourne served as assistant director before stepping up to the director’s position in 2011. He is the tenor for Outta Bounds, and has been the tenor in every leading quartet for several years including Fascinatin’ Rhythm. He is active in local community theater and is a classical ballet performer as well. When not involved with music, he is an accounting technician at Cal Poly State University and lives in San Luis Obispo.

Puttin’ on the Ritz is a show that you won’t want to miss. Show times are 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at The Clark Center in Arroyo Grande. Tickets are $20. Order tickets online by clicking here >> “Puttin’ on the Ritz”.