On August 16th of this year, I had the pleasure of accompanying the Creative Director of this publication to an IndyFringe performance in the Arabian Room at the Murat Theatre. When asked to choose from several selections, I told Paula Nicewanger I wanted to see “Ad Libs: The Show: The Experience!” It was not until we arrived at the theater that I told her that my notes on the show indicated that there would be audience participation. As the audience members came into the venue, each one was asked to vote on a name, and were given an envelope with a number. My envelope was prompt number S1. Paula and I entered the theater and sat in the front row.
Unlike my lonely S1, the other envelopes had specific instructions for the performers to work into their routines. We watched other patrons come to the stage, where they were asked their names and presented their envelopes with the prompts for the performers. Hilarity ensued as the performers created unlikely and humorous scenes using the written prompts. The last three prompts were S1, S2 and S3, and those three audience members were invited to sit in chairs near the stage. S1 was asked to decide which member of the troupe should be eliminated from the final scenes, and ham that I am, I pointed to a performer and remembered the opening word to Natalie Cole’s song, “I Wish You Love.” I waved to the cast member and sang out, “Goodbye…”
I have written before of my joy in singing. I recently came upon a neighbor as she left her house, headed toward her car. I sang a bit of song to her and received an unexpected hug. I sing Lionel Richie’s “Hello” to the staff when I enter the cidery I frequent and sing again when I leave: “Goodbye; No use leading with our chins. This is where our story ends; never lovers, ever friends…” For the last couple of years, I have been a member of a choral group called Harmony Collected, which is organized and directed by Dr. Webb Parker. I sing my heart out and am appreciative of the opportunity to make community with like-minded singers. The group is at present on a break, but will reconvene on September 1st, 2026, with a season preview party — an Open Gathering — and the first rehearsal on September 8th. The first concert is scheduled for December 13th, and some members will be traveling to London in June of 2027, to deliver the UK premier of Kyle Pederson’s “A Vision Unfolding.”
It is not too late to join Harmony Collected, to sing and make community with people who like to sing and make community. We used to sing under the auspices of the Irvington Arts Collective, but we have been rebranded as Open Circle Arts. And our circle is open: All are welcome. You do not need to audition, nor do you need to be able to read music. Just show up and sing, as I do. I am a tenor, and I cannot read music. In practices and performances, I will stand next to another tenor, and sing the notes they sing. And we are given “practice tracks,” a recorded breakdown of the individual alto, soprano, tenor, and bass parts of the songs. Come on and sing with me.
As for my impromptu demonstration of song, “Ad Libs: The Show: The Experience!” can be seen on August 21st, at 9:30 pm, and August 22nd, at 6:30 pm. Maybe you’ll get an envelope and an opportunity to sing.
cjon3acd@att.net