
The “sh” was added to it to make it sound like the noise from a nuclear explosion, that was a fear paramount in the thoughts of Americans at the time, the “alangala alangala” emanated church bells, and the rest of the song was spent giving out the message that everything was OK and life could be good. Written and published by members of the Bronx group, The Chords, in 1954, this nonsense song is often referred to as the first Doo-Wop song that would become a popular success and has been said to be the first time that a white audience would experience a black R&B song.Īccording to James Keyes, who was a co-writer and member of The Chords, it began its life being written in the back of a Buick and the word “boom” was slang used regularly by the kids of the neighbourhood when they were talking to each other.

Prices are subject to change.(James Keyes/Claude Feaster/Carl Feaster/Floyd F. Group discounts are available by calling 94 ext.229. Tickets range from $51 – $101 and can be purchased online at or by calling (949) 497-ARTS (2787). Performances through Sunday, October 31, 2021, at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Drive in Laguna Beach. PHOTO CREDIT: Boebe Productions, Surflight Theatre Sophia Swannell and Willie Beaton II star in the Laguna Playhouse production of “SH-BOOM! LIFE COULD BE A DREAM” – Directed and Choreographed by Jonathan Van Dyke and now playing at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. The cast is no stranger to the stage and boasts an impressive resume from Singin’ in the Rain, Hello Dolly!, Anything Goes, Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia, and more. The greaser mechanic Duke and beautiful sponsor’s daughter Lois play more straight for balance and contrast to the boys. The characters of Denny, Wally, and Eugene play as youthful but overexaggerated and eager to perform for an audience. This is actually quite well situated given the current world event. Although not crude, the real star is the toe-tapping musical performances highlighted by the short cast list. The show mainly wants to retain a good-feel atmosphere for the baby boomer generation. Willie Beaton II stars in the Laguna Playhouse production of “SH-BOOM! LIFE COULD BE A DREAM” – Directed and Choreographed by Jonathan Van Dyke and now playing at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. The show ends with a big radio contest, but there are no other competitors and no real resolution to wrap everything up. It’s a proven yet predictable serving of the 1950s and 1960’s Americana nostalgia.Ī youthful singing group dreams of becoming famous singers, they seek out a sponsor, conflicted with a new member of the group, a sole female eye-candy, someone drops out but returns before the show end with enough time to get the girl.

But the paper-thin story and characters merely are there to faintly glue and carry the songs together in a small but presentable showcase of talent. The performers put a lot of heart on stage. The jukebox musical will appeal mostly to an audience that is generally 50 years of age and up.

Dorian Quinn stars in the Laguna Playhouse production of “SH-BOOM! LIFE COULD BE A DREAM” – Directed and Choreographed by Jonathan Van Dyke and now playing at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. The ’60s hits say it all: “Fools Fall in Love,” “Runaround Sue,” “Earth Angel,” “I Only Have Eyes For You,” “Unchained Melody,” “Lonely Teardrops,” “Do You Love Me?” and more. Denny and the Dreamers perform favorite songs from the ’50s and ’60s from the comfort of Denny’s basement of his mother’s house.ĭenny and the gang want to enter a radio contest to realize their dreams of making it to the big time. Bean may be best known for creating The Marvelous Wonderettes. Laguna Playhouse resumes its postponed 100-year celebration with the season debut of Sh-boom: Life Could be a Dream, written and created by Roger Bean. This post contains affiliate links and our team will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on the links.
