Harold Arlen's name may not ring a bell with most people. But the composer's music should sound familiar.
The Vermillion Players are honoring Arlen and his music in a revue entitled "Sittin' on a Rainbow" this weekend at Chautauqua Park. The performances begin tonight at 7:30 and will be held Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
 Bob McKenzie directed and staged this revue, which highlights much of Arlen's music. McKenzie noted to the dress rehearsal audience on Tuesday that he had intended on honoring Arlen on his centennial, but missed it by a year. Arlen was born Hyman Arluck in 1905. He died in 1986.
Despite missing a landmark anniversary, McKenzie's choice of honorees was brilliant. The performers also did well in interpreting a composer's work through jazz and blues and show tunes.
Arlen's most recognizable work was one that earned him an Academy Award. Arlen's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" won an Oscar for the movie "Wizard of Oz," hence the decision to title this revue "Sittin' on a Rainbow."
 The revue opens with the company performing "Get Happy." As with any overture-type effort, this gives the audience a little taste of what to expect throughout the two hours of enjoyable entertainment.
As far as singing, McKenzie had a number of vocalists to deliver the various forms of music. Arlen wrote quite a few torch songs, and performers like Patty Billingsley, Robin Buchenau, Krista Chmiel, Barbara Drummet, Joan Gullo and Elaine Krupka made McKenzie's choice of singers a wise one.
The aspect that was most impressive was the dancing. It added a wonderful visual in helping bring out the songs.
The dance company included Carla Chandler, Carrie Chandler, Maggie Chandler, Linda Folks, Nicole Graham, Beth Halloran, Erin Halloran, Beth Kapraun, Krupka and Michele Pierce.
Mike Newman and Nancy Waschle were quite exceptional in their dance as accompanists to songs sung by Danny Grider and his wife, Connie, and by Denny Read.
Shannon Argubright and Carrie Chandler choreographed the production.
 The downside for the production was in the number of men. McKenzie's troupe could have used a few more guys to help with the work load. As it was, McKenzie was joined by Grider, Read and Jim Wolfe in providing a strong male presence.
Some of the songs that will be familiar to the audience include "Stormy Weather," performed by Gullo; "If I Only Had a Brain," performed by Danny Grider, Read and Wolf; "That Old Black Magic," performed by Buchenau; and "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive," performed by the company.
 Besides the dancers, the company includes Billingsley, Buchenau, Mary Catherine Carter, Chmiel, Lynn DiNardi, Drummet, Beckie Linn Gregory, Connie Grider, Danny Grider, Gullo, Krupka, McKenzie, Judy Oltman, Denny Read, Sandy Read, Amanda Swanson, Kari Weber and Wolfe.
John Gahm produced the revue and Pam Teske is in charge of costuming. Gahm and Jim Melvin designed the set. Working on lighting are Diana DeVault, Tom Kapraun, Brad Follmer, Tim Koltviet and Jim Weber. Running the sound are Jimmie Ramsey, Steve Willis and John Wyllie. Joyce Eggenberger and Norma Koltviet are in charge of concessions.
Story courtesy of the Pontiac Daily Leader
By Erich Murphy/Managing Editor
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