Back in December, I was invited to attend a production at Prima Theatre’s new home (941 Wheatland Ave., Suite A, Lancaster). I’ve been eagerly waiting to catch one of their shows since I started working at Lancaster County Magazine. Looking up various events from month to month, Prima’s shows always seemed intriguing to read.
The theatre’s December show was titled Piano Men and featured the hit songs of Ray Charles, Billy Joel, Elton John and Stevie Wonder. I enjoy all four of the talented artists’ songs, but my husband’s favorite is Billy Joel, which he proved to me by playing Joel’s classic hits all weekend long.
The show was performed by vocalists Deidre Cravey, Joy Lee, Reji Woods, vocalist/musician Jeremy Schonfeld – who was also the show’s music director – and vocalist/musician A. Scott Williams, the show’s associate music director. The band consisted of Thomas Carley on bass, Steve Katona on drums and Rob Reese on guitar.
Before the show began, guests had time to grab a snack and adult beverage if they desired. It was Friday night (not Saturday Night), so I was ready to unwind with a glass of wine and a pack of olives, which I finished just as the show kicked off. Schonfeld banged on the ivories and commanded the stage from his keyboard, but it was Reji Woods who slayed with his impressive high vocals and enough energy to fill the room, which was packed, by the way.
The ladies of the night, Deidre and Joy, sang the songs of Elton John with a sultry, somewhat seductiveness of sorts. Bennie and the Jets left us wanting more, and Joy Lee’s version of Elton’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road had me aching. The whole collaboration was amazing!
By the end of the night, the performance had everyone literally standing on their feet and singing along, with a surprise burst of confetti explosions across the audience. Executive Artistic Producer Mitch Nugent and his entire team did a tremendous job, and I can’t wait to attend the next one.