An Irving Berlin revue sets the stage for musical merriment in Marion

MARION — From rag time romps to broadway classics, seven performers and two pianists are bringing the music of composer Irving Berlin to life in downtown Marion for a weekend of benefit shows.

Taking place at The First Congregational Church of Marion Community Center, director Paul Sardinha and a small ensemble of singers are preparing to perform theatrical renditions of Berlin classics, including “You’re Just in Love,” “Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better)” and “Snooky Ookums.” Proceeds from the show contribute to the restoration of the historic E. Howard clockworks located within the church.

Throughout his prolific career, Berlin composed over 3,000 songs, including scores for 30 Broadway shows and 17 Hollywood films.

“It’s exciting, it’s refreshing and it’s a toe tapper. It’s an awful lot of fun,” said Sardinha of the show.

Various numbers include audience sing-a-longs and stories told by various narrators, including Will Tift of the Sippican Historical Society, Tara Calabrese of the Sippican Women’s Club and Nancy McFadden of the Council on Aging. 

The ensemble is composed of John Ashley of East Freetown, Lynne-Marie Dandeneau of Fairhaven, Sarah Jackson of New Bedford, Caroline Blais of East Freetown and Mary and Brad Cardwell of Rochester. Pianists Cassandra Morgan and Linda Johnston provide accompaniment to the variety of tunes.

During each track, the performers tap into the narratives and emotional core of Berlin’s composition, utilizing props and costuming to enhance the storytelling.

“When an audience is watching a show being performed for them, they all become little children again,” said Sardinha. “... The stories are actually being acted out for them before their eyes.”

Dandeneau describes Berlin’s music as “classic songs.”

“My mother and my aunt, they could sing every single song and they love them,” she said.

During the rehearsal process, Dandeneau learned more about Berlin’s music and expanded her knowledge about the composer.

“I’m surprised at how many of them I knew, but then also getting to learn some that I didn’t know and how much fun I’m having with those songs,” she said.

When Ashley received a call from Sardinha to perform in the show, he was eager to reunite with his Old Rochester Regional High School co-worker in a musical setting.

“It’s always a fun group to be in and sing with other talented musicians,” he said.

Blais states that she values the opportunity to work alongside the musicians featured in the show.

“There’s just so many talented people, so many voices and I think that we work really well together as a group,” she said. “It’s fun to work with a cool group of talented people.”

Performances will take place on Friday, Sept. 5 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 6 at 7:30 and Sunday, Sept. 7 at 4 p.m. in The First Congregational Church of Marion Community Center, located at 144 Front Street in downtown Marion.

Tickets are $35 and are available online at marionfirstchurch.org or at the Marion General Store and Penny Pinchers.