(Posted 12:30 a.m., Jan. 21)
Celebrating at the alter of the Church of Karaoke
By Fred Sherwin
Orléans Online

Lynne Stacey plays Aunt Tara in the Queenswood United Church production of 'The Church of Karaoke: The Musical'. Fred Sherwin/Photo

I've never been a big fan of karaoke. For one, I don't have a very good voice, and for another, I can think of a lot better ways to embarrass myself. As it turns out, I was completely unaware of the positive impact karaoke can have on peoples' lives.

My eyes have been opened by a brilliant musical written entirely by Kathleen Grady-Thompson. The Church of Karaoke: The Musical tells the story of Jesse Chase, an anxious young man who has serious self-esteem issues until he's visited by a group of angels in a dream.

Jesse wants to audition for a musical, but he's convinced that he won't get the part. His low self esteem is the result of being judged by others and constantly being bullied and put down.

The night before the audition Jesse has a dream about being in a karaoke bar where he meets his "dream guide", Dr. Sue Besstimer, and befriends Madeleine, who is also an angel sent to help Jesse realize his potential.

The bar is filled with interesting characters who share a common love of singing. Girlfriends Katrina and Marilee are just out for a good time. Peter is a middle-aged man who looks like he would be more at home in a sports bar than a karaoke bar. He sings to get attention. Then there's Leo and his Aunt Tara. Leo can't stand karaoke bars, but he goes to humour his aunt who would sing the dictionary from cover to cover if she had an audience.

Dr. Besstimer manages to convince Jesse to sing. but before his turn comes up he suddenly finds himself in a church with all the people from the bar. At first they criticize Jesse's sing choice, but they quickly change their attitude after they realize that the artist who wrote the song believed in peace love and protecting the environment.

When Jesse finally gets a chance to sing, the rest of the bar appreciates the effort and applauds him which empowers him and builds his self-esteem. The message the play is trying to convey becomes increasingly more apparent, that music and singing is a wonderful means of self-expression that can not only convey one's feelings and beliefs, but their faith and spirituality as well.

As the program states, "With singing we love, pray, cry, suffer and rejoice, while leaving all the judgment up to God."

A side plot to Jesse's journey of self-discovery, is Leo's journey of self-destruction. The young man overdoses outside the karaoke bar and dies. He meets the two angels who explain to him that his death will help others by turning them away from drug use.

He gets to witness his funeral service during which Jesse sings Psalm 100 which speaks about coming before God with grateful songs. Leo is touched by the tribute and learns that he will become an angel.

In the final scene each character sings about what they would be if they were a song. Jesse finally realizes that he's not afraid anymore. Through song he can be whoever and whatever he wants to be. The transformation is complete and he awakens from his dream in time to go to the audition.

The play was produced entirely by members of Queenswood United Church to help raise money for the church building fund.

The cast included Queenswood pastor Ed Gratton who played one of the karaoke DJs along with his wife Kim Gratton.

Jesse was played by Grady-Thompson's husband Terry, who also happens to be a member of the Queenswood United Church choir as does most of the rest of the cast including Lynne Stacey who played the wonderfully eccentric Aunt Tara in a variety of costumes that would have made Liberace proud.

The rest of the cast included Laura Burk as Dr. Besstiner, Carol Pugsley as Madeleine, Doug Tudor as Peter, Benoit Lorraine as Leo, Kattie Gratton as Katrina, Valerie Bishop as Marilee, Archie Newby as Brother Bob, and Muriel Thompson as Novice Nelly.

Last but by no means least, Wayne Robbins and Bruce Richardson played home decorating TV hosts Pixie and Slider, who appeared off the stage in a video. The flamboyant duo was extremely funny, especially in their duet "Hey, You're Really Good.".

Accompanying the production on keyboard was songwriter, musician and arranger Christopher Natiuk.

The play was undoubtedly a great deal of work, the result of which, was a tremendously entertaining production. Here's hoping it's not their last.

(This story was made possible thanks to their generous support of our local business partners.)

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