Fort Defiance Players to perform "The Taffetas"
(First Press Release)

Fort Defiance Players’ July 31 and August 1 – 3 production of “The Taffetas,” gives area theater buffs a chance to wallow in nostalgia over a time of innocence—before the early rock & rolls stars shattered the style of pop sounds that was mellow, polite, harmonious, and opening corny. Presented as a dinner theater, “The Taffetas” is a parade of the big hits of the 1950’s arranged as four-voice girl ensembles. If you are old enough to remember this—even if you won’t admit it—you will delight in the memories. If you aren’t, you might find this one of the most amazing and entertaining evenings of the year.

In addition to a large list of the familiar tunes, the show has a myriad of references to the 50s and 60s. Personalities are mentioned: Ed Sullivan and his “Toast of the Town,” which the Taffetas are striving to make; Liberace, Annette, Connie, and Debbie as some of the well know artists; and of course, Vice President Nixon and Mamie (who the girls identify as their most respected female role model—after Mom, of course). Many of the icons of the time are referred to: the Juke Box, “Jello surprise,” the Bunny Hop, Mickey Mouse, Ball jars, and the infamous two-tone Chevy Bellaire. The girls’ lives include the trendy, including: shorthand, clothes made from Ladies Home Journal patterns, their diary, the Greyhound, Angora sweaters, and the ubiquitous 45.

All of this is presented in a charming, straight-forward style, recognizing the inherent humor in the material.  The show has a tongue-in-cheek nostalgia with the patrons sitting in as the audience at a New York television studio where the Taffetas are appearing on a 50’s variety show. Their program includes the “pop fluff” and “insipid tunes” that were common to such shows before the Beatles stormed the States. A reviewer has said, “It is like watching June Cleaver standing in the kitchen wearing a cocktail dress and washing dishes.”

The full dinner includes a choice of chicken or beef, accompanied with potatoes, green bean Almondine, salad, rolls, beverages, and a delicious summer dessert. All shows are staged in Defiance College’s Serrick Campus Center. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday seating is at 6:30 p.m., with serving at 7 p.m. and the show to follow at about 8 p.m. Sunday, August 3, seating is at 12:30 p.m., with serving at 1 p.m. and the show to follow at about 2 p.m.

Admission is by prepaid reservations only, $25 per person. To make reservations, call 419 782-PLAY. Seating is very limited, so call soon. The show is directed by Jane Burke. Ned Clark is the accompanist.

Second Press Release

Posted July 14, 2008