The Theatre Company of Sun City’s will present Sentimental Journey, a musical about an entire lifetime and the milestones along the way in a production that is both humorous and heartwarming, featuring familiar songs and dances of days gone by.
The show is created by Rob Kaye, director, and Peter Davis, music producer.
Kaye and Davis created the show for luncheon and dinner theater in the mid-90s, when they worked as partners in a theater production company. At the time, Kaye says he drew on stories told by his grandparents, who remembered the day they brought home their first TV, which seemed enormous with its sixteen-inch screen; they also recounted the sight of military vehicles coming down neighborhood streets to deliver sad news to families of the enlisted during WWII. Kaye shaped the story, then Davis added his musical expertise.
“I would go to Peter and say, ‘I need a song that does this from this era.’ He has this database of songs in his mind,” says Kaye. “He would come up with just the right choice and we’d put it together.” Davis also wrote an original song for the show called “Swinging and Swaying at the USO.”
For Kaye, Sentimental Journey has a special place in his heart. He has a vivid recollection of a moment in 1994 when a gentleman from the audience came up after the show with tears in his eyes. He told Kaye, “My wife doesn’t remember that well anymore, but she remembered everything you did tonight. Thank you for making her smile and remember.”
“That’s what the show is about,” says Kaye. Everyone can relate in one way or another, especially the older you get.”
The cast of Sentimental Journey.
Seeing Sentimental Journey come back to life has been thrilling for both Kaye and Davis. At a recent rehearsal, the cast was blocking a big ensemble number. Kaye told the cast, “Fourteen years ago when I thought of this, this is what I envisioned. Thank you so much for making this come alive from my mind to the stage.”
Sentimental Journey will give four performances: Thursday, April 28 and Friday, April 29 at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 30 at 3 p.m. and Sunday, May 1 at 1:30 p.m. All performances are in the Drendel Ballroom in Huntley. Seating will be cabaret style.
Tickets are $20 and will be on sale Mondays April 11 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Cedar Room in Prairie Lodge. If you are purchasing tickets for a group, please have one check in the exact amount or cash for the total order.
For Thursday or Friday ticket information, call (847) 515-8545. For Saturday and Sunday ticket information call: (847) 515-1583.
