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© St. Petersburg Times, published July 4, 2002
Winning combo
Flute player Gary Schocker and guitarist Jason Vieaux return to the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, opening the summer and fall music series in the Marly Room. They'll play works by Handel, Albeniz, Giuliani and Piazzola, as well as two by Schocker: Flute Forest and Once Upon a . . . . The flutist is a prolific composer, with three musical theater scores to his credit.
Vieaux, a winner of the Guitar Foundation of America International Competition, recently released a CD for the Azica label of the five sonatas of Manuel Ponce, the Mexican composer who wrote many works for Andres Segovia. In reviewing the disc, American Record Guide said "Vieaux is a strong, expressive player with a gift for lyricism and an easy virtuosity."
The concert is at 2 p.m. Sunday at the museum. Tickets: $7 and $15. (727) 896-2667. -- JOHN FLEMING, Times performing arts critic
'The Taffetas' rustles with the '50s
Often called the "girl" version of Forever Plaid, The Taffetas celebrates pre-rock 'n' roll songs such as Sincerely, Sh-Boom, Mr. Sandman, Where the Boys Are, Lollypop, Raggmopp and How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?
"It's a cute little romp through the 1950s," said Jimmy Ferraro, owner of the Angel Cabaret Theatre in New Port Richey, where the musical opens Friday. Like Forever Plaid, the story seems to be an excuse to string together some neat songs. In it, four girls from Muncie, Ind., are putting together an act in hope of getting a slot on the DuMont Television Network's Spotlight on Music show. Along the way, they do 1950s-style television commercials (with all their hokiness) and plan the perfect 1950s outfits -- circle skirts, lots of crinolines, big hair and, for special occasions, modest evening gowns with merry widow underpinnings.
Ferraro brought in Broadway and national touring company veteran Nicolette Boothby (42nd Street, Crazy for You, Will Rogers' Follies) to direct and choreograph the show. She chose former Angel Cabaret players Kristin Graff (Ruby in Dames at Sea) and Belinda Johnson (Rhetta Cupp in Pump Boys and Dinettes) to play two of the roles and Angel newcomers Jenny Langford (Mad Cow Theatre of Orlando) and Stefanie Legan (Walt Disney World and Universal Studios) to play the other two parts.
The Taffetas plays Friday through Aug. 4. Shows are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 6 p.m. Sundays. Doors open two hours before each show for buffet and cash wine and beer bar. Dinner and show, $32.50; show only, $19.95. Ages 12 and younger, $14.95 and $19.95, all plus tax and tip. Call (727) 847-0019.
-- BARBARA L. FREDRICKSEN, Times staff writer