The Brat Pack will stir up some retro music and martinis at the Scott Block next week — adding a dollop of irreverent humour.
The four “crooners with a twist” — Sharon Braun, Kimberley Denis, Darold Roles and Ron Schuster — are looking to Frank Sinatra’s famous Rat Pack for inspiration as they deliver the smooth sounds of ’60s Las Vegas with a dose of mischief on Friday and Saturday, June 11 and 12.
"We’re letting our naughty, frivolous sides out,” said Roles.
The Red Deer College Theatre Studies instructor is better known for his directing and choreography than his singing, but in the Brat Pack, Roles is equal to the role of tenor.
Tackling the baritone part is Schuster, a local Scripts at Work co-ordinator and contracted RDC instructor, who loves the group’s four-part harmonies, which he likens to those of Manhattan Transfer.
“Some of our songs are pretty jazzed up,” said Schuster, who noted the concert’s “mature themes and language” warning is mostly due to the song content.
Along with Moon River and Luck Be a Lady Tonight, the Brat Pack has added spicy tunes like Viagra and The Internet is for Porn, from the ribald adult puppet show Avenue Q.
“They’re amazingly clever songs,” added Schuster, with a laugh — but more conservative-minded audience members can rest assured there will be plenty of more traditional selections on the program, such as Mr. Bojangles, Mambo Italiano and That’s Amore.
Braun, the Brat Pack’s classically trained mezzo-soprano who also teaches voice at RDC, said the group’s goal was to include diverse music that people would know, so they can hum along. But sometimes “we changed the lyrics and content to accommodate our sense of humour,” added Braun, who jokingly warned city councillors that there are no sacred cows.
“Some of our content is a spoofing of what happens in the city.”
Denis, the group’s youngest member and soprano, wasn’t even born when songs like Petula Clark’s Downtown and Frankie Valli’s Sherry (Baby) were first popularized, but she loves their tuneful vibe, as well as the show’s fun atmosphere of camaraderie.
Denis, a contract RDC instructor, promises audience members will see plenty of costume changes — including zany ’60s outfits, and lots of sparkles.
“Ron and I have to keep getting our tuxedos dry-cleaned because of all the glitter,” said Roles.
The Brat Pack was formed last August to entertain at a party for retiring RDC president Ron Woodward. But singing, dancing and joking together proved so much fun for group members that they’ve kept the Brat Pack going for various fundraisers, award shows, faculty recitals and special events around town.
Schuster said he loves performing with the quartet because “it allows us to show a different side of ourselves.”
These will be the Brat Pack’s first two full-length concerts.
Tickets for the 8 p.m. events are $25 at the door or $20 in advance by calling 403-343-6988. (Students/ seniors are $20 at the door or $15 in advance). Doors open at 7 p.m. and there’s a cash bar.
lmichelin@www.reddeeradvocate.com