WINTER PARK — For those of us who lived through it, the 1970s were a unique decade, and one that provokes instant memories when words like “Watergate,” “Vietnam” or “Stagflation” come up. For those too young to remember, they might think of the 1970s through cultural milestones — films such as The Godfather or Chinatown, for example, or maybe oddball things like the Pet Rock.
But one thing likely to generate instant recognition is the music of the 1970s. Pop songs, ballads and disco fever at the height of its allure, the music of that decade lives on, often in highly polarizing ways.
One of the most unique aspects of the new Winter Park Playhouse production of the musical 8-Track is that if you listen carefully to the songs chosen for this revue, and particularly the lyrics, it vividly illustrates how social trends were on full display through FM radio. The songwriters and singers had a message and perspective to offer, pointing to rapidly shifting public attitudes throughout the decade.
8-Track operates on two blissfully pleasurable levels: hearing four superb singers perform these often irresistibly catchy tunes, and getting a sly history lesson on what the 1970s were all about.
The show, which opened on Friday, will be performed through Aug. 25, and it’s got more to offer than just nostalgia.
What is the musical 8 Track?
8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s in Concert is a musical review featuring a book by Rick Seeber; the show has enjoyed extended runs at theaters across the U.S. While there’s no plot to speak it, the four cast members do occasionally evoke nostalgic quirks of the era, such as those albums not sold in stores and only available by calling an 800 number, the passion for discos as a social meeting place, and how love songs could speak an eternal language. And it captures the outfits that make the decade an object of derision today, including leisure suits, halter tops, and platform shoes — discoteque finest!
Through the songs chosen for this production, you definitely get a sense of what the 1970s were all about.
A few songs touch on politics: Edwin Starr’s bold “War,” Cat Steven’s more optimistic “Peace Train” and Helen Reddy’s feminist anthem “I Am Woman,” for example. But mostly the shows focus on something else entirely: the hedonism of the 1970s, which took the free love mantra of the 1960s and extended it even further, during a decade when people wanted to party, congregate with friends at their favorite club, and dance the night away. The second act in particular is a smorgasbord of disco hits from the days when people were urged to “Shake Shake Shake (your Booty),” promised that “We Are Family” and told that no matter what life throws at us, we’re all “Stayin’ Alive.”
The show has some delightfully funny moments, especially when the cast performs Randy Newman’s clever pot party song “Mama Told Me Not To Come” and the Commodores’ naughty innuendo tune “Brick House,” both played to comedic perfection by the talented performers.
As that second song emphasizes, gone were the days of sweet innocent love songs from the 1950s and early 1960s; by the 1970s, hits like “Afternoon Delight” and “Lady Marmalade” were winking and nodding at us in a racy, risque way. The play does a fine job of noting that in the 1970s, the endless party was all the rage.
How is the Winter Park Playhouse production?
With a bare stage and neon lights above the cast, it’s not difficult to feel some longing for the now ancient disco era, where everybody who was anybody aspired to be the next John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. Fortunately, the Playhouse has assembled four supremely gifted actors who effortlessly impress us with their singing voices, slick dance moves and sharp comedic timing.
Bert Rodriguez has some of the biggest laughs as the 70s geek who longs to be hip and wow, just cannot pull it off. Sahid Pabon and Nyeshia Naomii have grand moments as ordinary people shaking it up at nightclubs hoping to meet somebody sexy, while your chin hangs to the floor examining their (yikes!) ’70s outfits. Still, they’re both great as the average guy and gal ready for love.
Rachel Hope Ihasz captures the look and ‘tude of the feminist who loudly and proudly declares how liberated she is, and she’s got a stunning voice that’s absolutely captivating. Her solo numbers are a knockout. Together, these four provide some sensational harmonies — and brother, do these cats know their disco moves!
The show benefits from deliciously fun choreography by director Tay Anderson.
Whether you remember the 70s well, or it’s all a big haze by now, or you came along decades later, it won’t matter: those toe-tapping, feel good songs have an appeal that’s positively universal.
Where Can I See 8-Track?
8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s in Concert is being performed at The Winter Park Playhouse at 711 Orange Ave. in Winter Park. The show runs for an hour and 45 minutes, with a 15 minute intermission.
Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30, Thursday, Friday and Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. and select Wednesday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
Tickets cost $46 for evening shows, $43 for seniors attending evening shows, $39 for matinees, and $20 for students aged 15-25, active military and theatrical industry professionals. Student rush “$10@10” offers $10 tickets (for students 25 years and younger) 10 minutes prior to a performance when seats are available.
To purchase tickets or for more information call the box office at 407-645-0145 or visit online at www.winterparkplayhouse.org .
Michael Freeman is an Orlando journalist, playwright, and author of the book “Bloody Rabbit”. Contact him at Freelineorlando@gmail.com.
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