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Musical month at Cumming Playhouse
November lineup includes holiday, regional offerings
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Forsyth County News
November will be a musical month at the Cumming Playhouse, beginning Nov. 14 with a little Southern hospitality.

The Playhouse Singers present “Songs of the South,” a medley of folk, bluegrass, spirituals and Appalachian music, including numbers like the big-band hit, “Chattanooga Choo-Choo.”

“It will be quite a variety,” said director Van McCollum. “We’re in the South and I think people, even if they’re not from here, they live here and they can certainly relate to it.”

The 60-member chorus performed sacred music at its previous playhouse performance.

The Southern theme will be a bit more energetic, McCollum said.

“This is fun music. It’s light, folksy kind of music,” he said. “It’s just fun to sing because a lot of it was Appalachian dance music, where barn dances were popular, so that just makes it fun.”

The fun continues Nov. 16 with “Holiday Nights and Christmas Lights,” performed by community concert band Sounds of Sawnee.

Bob Russell, band conductor, said this is the band’s fourth Christmas show at the playhouse.

Musical selections range from holiday classics such as “The Christmas Song” and “Winter Wonderland” to unique songs including “No Time to Diet” and an assortment of songs by Ray Charles.

“We really enjoy playing for the people in the community and it’s just a wonderful time of the year,” Russell said.

“I’m overwhelmed and very proud of the choir that the people took it to their hearts last year and accepted it so well with great Christmas spirit.”

Shades of Grace, the choir from First Baptist Church in Cumming, will perform with the group. The afternoon show will feature a special performance from about 30 children from the church.

“The world has so many challenges right now ... it’s a good release for people and it’s a good way of showing their kindness and their belief in God,” he said. “Hopefully, they get the Christmas spirit from our band and the choir.”
Russell will take a break from holiday music the following week as he accompanies the Mood Swingers, whose performance will run from Nov. 20 to 23.

The Mood Swingers is made up of Russell’s wife, Kathy, and friends, Cheryl Rogers and Pat Groman.

The “singin,’ swingin’ grandmas” have become a fast favorite among playhouse patrons for their three-part harmonies, comedy skits and musical repertoire.

Among some of the show’s highlights are an American tribute, an international salute and performances featuring three special guests.

“Our grandkids are going to be joining us in a couple of numbers,” Kathy Russell said. “We are actually doing a rap number together.

“The show has appeal for people of all ages, most especially baby boomers, but we’re doing music that crosses several decades, including some contemporary stuff, so I think families will enjoy it immensely.”

E-mail Jennifer Sami at jennifersami@forsythnews.com.