Clear Space Takes Center Stage in Rehoboth Beach
If you set your GPS to “20 Baltimore Avenue, 19971” on certain nights this summer, you might be surprised to learn what your destination will be. Rehoboth Beach? No…how about Chicago!
Chicago is coming to town, courtesy of the talented people at Clear Space Theatre Company, located in the ocean block of Baltimore Avenue in downtown Rehoboth Beach. Chicago is one of three different live theatre productions the theatre company will be producing during the summer season. Their ambitious schedule has one show or another being performed on their stage six nights a week, from June 21 to September 4.
“We know that the local community is a theatre-going crowd in the off season,” explains Clear Space Executive Director Ken Skrzesz. Summer in Rehoboth Beach has the allure of sun, sand and surf, but does it also have the allure of show business? That is what the folks at Clear Space want to find out. “We felt that non-beach entertainment was missing from the menu of what Rehoboth Beach offers its visitors.” By choosing three different types of shows, and scheduling a different show every couple of nights, Clear Space expands that menu with some delectable theatrical experiences. “So many other vacation resorts have wonderful theatres that have become part of the vacation plans for families, and we hope to do the same with Clear Space and Rehoboth Beach,” adds Clear Space Artistic Director Doug Yetter.
Chicago is certainly the biggest show of the summer season at Clear Space, and the one with the greatest name recognition. Set in the show’s namesake city in the Roaring Twenties, Chicago is a tale of merry murderesses and the corrupt legal system that made them the original celebrity criminals. Featuring such hits as “All That Jazz,” “Mister Cellophane,” and “Razzle Dazzle,” and paired with stunning choreography, this musical satire is a witty and sexy look at fame, fortune, and everything that comes with it. This production features Autumn Schneider as Velma Kelly and Christa Pardocchi as Roxy Hart. What sets this production apart is that it is a new look at the show, with all the action taking place inside the prison. “Playing prison guards, the musicians themselves become a part of the cast,” explains Skrzesz. In all, thirteen singers, dancers and actors play a part in this exciting production. Chicago plays selected nights each week between June 30 and August 21.
Interested in a change of pace? How about spending an evening swaying to the music of George Gershwin? Words and Music: By Gershwin presents a series of six vignettes in the vein of the classic movie musical, in which four actors explore the beautiful song catalog of George Gershwin. A cruise ship, a tenement flat, and the Broadway stage all create wonderful backdrops for this exquisite music, including favorites such as “They All Laughed,” “Fascinatin’ Rhythm,” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.” The show also includes some great but obscure Gershwin tunes, including some unpublished songs and others that are rarely performed. These songs are given voice by four members of Clear Space’s Acting Company. Joining Skrzesz onstage is David Button, Dana Peragallo, and Erin Williams, accompanied on keyboards by Melanie Bradley.
Rounding out the schedule is 100 Years of Broadway. The show offers a night of musical variety from Hello, Dolly! to Mamma Mia!, from George M. Cohan to Stephen Sondheim. The ensemble cast of eight sings and dances its way through the Broadway repetoire, including standards like “Don’t Rain on My Parade”(from Funny Girl), “Home” (from The Wiz and from Beauty and the Beast) and “Working my Way Back to You” (from Jersey Boys). There is no real plot to this show…the music says it all! However, the songs are arranged chronologically, and some narration between the songs gives it all the proper context. 100 Years is one of Clear Space’s signature shows, and this production offers some new songs and extended dance numbers that are sure to enthrall and entertain.
For information or to purchase tickets, visit the Clear Space website. You can also purchase tickets by calling (302) 227-2270 or by stopping by the theatre’s box office at 20 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.