Glenn Atkins rehearses at the microphone as he prepares to record his part of “Seasons of Love.” The CLT production of “Love Songs & Love Letters” will stream free-of-charge on February 12,13, and 14. Submitted photo
The L-A Community Little Theatre will present “Love Songs and Love Letters,” a special Valentine’s Day production, available to stream free-of-charge at 7 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 12-14. Thereafter, it will be accessible on CLT’s website at laclt.com.
Co-director Celeste Philippon watches closely from the control table during a recording session for the upcoming CLT online production of “Love Songs & Love Letters.” Submitted photo
Under the direction of Chris L’Hommedieu and Celeste Philippon, the one-hour show incorporates a cast and crew of 30 CLT veterans and newcomers who will perform famous Broadway and popular love songs. Some actors will also read love letters written by such notables as Mark Twain, Abigail Adams and Ronald Reagan. Performers appear from across the country to create an unforgettable experience. CLT’s objective was to create as much of a “theater-going” event as possible, given the current COVID-19 restrictions. Performers came to the CLT stage one at a time, observing all COVID-19 protocols, to record their songs or readings. The parts were merged together electronically to create a single, seamless show. “We wanted to give our audience an opportunity to return to the theatre – albeit virtually – and to give our artists a chance to do what they love – perform on stage,” said L’Hommedieu.
Singer Katie Isaac and director Chris L’Hommedieu discuss the recording of her solo, part of the upcoming CLT production of “Love Songs & Love Letters.” Submitted photo
Some of the songs in the show include “For Good” from Wicked; “Timeless to Me” from Hairspray; “Song on the Sand” from La Cage aux Folles; “Seasons of Love” from Rent; “Helpless” from Hamilton; and the Elvis Presley hit “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
The cast of singers includes John Blanchette, Emily Flynn, Katie Isaac, Dan Kane, Chris L’Hommedieu, John Nutting, Shawn Robitaille, Angela Roy, Ashleigh St. Pierre, Sean Wallace, Jordan Payne Hay, Tony Morin, and the Groover and Gouette families. Readings are presented by Eileen Messina, Roger Philippon, and Phil Vampatella, and Mackenzie Richard performs a dance solo. Josh Caron, Paul Caron, Emily Flynn, Spring Gouette, Chris L’Hommedieu, and Tony Morin provide musical accompaniment.
Other members of the production crew are Brandon Chaloux, producer; Matt Conklin, lighting design; Becca Tinkham, set design and décor; and Joline Cloutier, media design.
While there is no charge, any donations are welcome and can be made online at the CLT website.
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