Remember the good old days of "the Lindy Hop," "the Shag" and "the Tango?"
The musical memories of the 1930s and 40s that you (or your parents) may have listened to as you "cut the rug" or "jitterbugged" the night away?
If so, go see "The All-Night Strut," the Seattle Performing Arts Fellowship's season-opening extravaganza.
The fine folks at SPAF have come up with a real crowd-pleasing evening of sparkling singing, suave dancing and a little flirting thrown in for good measure.
The evening starts out with "Chattanooga Choo-Choo" (you remember, "pardon me, boys") and just keeps on plugging with oodles of old favorites.
"Rosie the Riveter" and "Praise the Lord, and Pass the Ammunition" are just a few of the toe-tapping nostalgic tunes that will make sure no one in the audience will complain of even a hint of ennui.
But wait! Show stopping music is not the only thing that will keep audiences reminiscing.
SPAF's talented cast members are dressed in colorful period costumes from the Jazz-Jive era. The multi-level art deco stage evokes the ambiance of a swinging El Morocco-type nightclub. An energetic band composed of a piano, string bass and drums keep the joint jumping.
Co-directors Rachel Rene and Patricia Morris perform double duty as on-stage performers.
They are joined by a classy cast, which includes Lindsay Del Marter, Daisy Nau, James Wyatt and John Kelleher. Every one of these incredible singers will amaze you with their panache and versatility.
"The All-Night Strut's" second act takes on an even classier turn when its cast changes into evening gowns and tuxedos. Act Two starts out with Fats Waller's immortal "Ain't Misbehavin'."
By the evening's end, your toes will be tired from all the tapping along with such hits as "Beat Me Daddy, 8 to the Bar," and "Lullaby of Broadway."
If all these classic tunes aren't enough to fill your plate with happiness, watch for Rachel Rene's formidable dance solos. They are sure to enhance your sense of nostalgia.
In case you weren't around during the 30s and 40s, consider this a history lesson that can't be beat!
Band members Abigail Taylor, Marti Day and Harry Parker just bring the whole thing together (and tie it with a bow) with their great pizzazz. Duke Ellington and the gang would have been proud.
"The All-Night Strut" runs two more weekends, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. with Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. The final Saturday matinee on Oct. 7 is pay-what-you-can.
Tickets are $15 general admission, $12 students/seniors and $10 for pre-reserved groups of 10 or more. Performances are at the Victory Baptist Church located at 1807 S. 223rd St. in Des Moines.
Call SPAF at 206-722-4289 or e-mail tickets@spaftheatre.org. Log onto www.spaftheatre.org for more information.