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OGDENSBURG How do you sum up the last 50 years of Hollywood?
Through song, thats how.
Ogdensburg Command Performances will present Hooray for Hollywood on Tuesday at Ogdensburg Free Academy. The all-singing, all-dancing musical production will feature more than 15 songs from the last 50 years of movies.
Jessica L. Coffman, 28, of Los Angeles, who said she has been singing and dancing since she was 5, is a principle singer and lead dancer in the production.
She said audiences are excited about the musical numbers because many have an emotional connection to the music or time period.
Being born in the 80s, I love the 80s musicals Footloose, Fame, Flashdance, Dirty Dancing, and Hairspray that section is fun for me to get to sing, she said. I would say that most of the numbers that are in show will be very recognizable for most in the audience.
The musical production features many upbeat dance numbers such as All that Jazz from the musical Chicago and music from the Blues Brothers, but, surprisingly, its the slow ballads from Ghost and Les Misérables that audiences react to the most, Ms. Coffman said.
The show is full of a lot of singing and dancing with high energy, she said. When we sing some selections from Les Misérables it creates a completely different energy in the show. Audiences tend to really enjoy Unchained Melody, also. its quiet and there are only four singers in spotlights. Its a great moment to just sit back and listen.
With very little set design or changes, the production relies on the acting of its dancers and singers, who make costume changes after each number.
The most rewarding part of the show is seeing the audiences response to it, she said. Weve got lots of standing ovations. Its important as actors to see that we are making a positive impact on the audience.