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Despite the loss of Easy Street’s longtime music director, ‘Miracle’ must go on
By GUY D’ASTOLFO
YOUNGSTOWN
Easy Street Productions is going into its first “Miracle On Easy Street” without music director Jeff Sanders, who died unexpectedly last month.
But it’s coming together nicely, thanks to some extra teamwork, new performers and ... Jeff Sanders.
The theater troupe is rehearsing to recordings of music that Sanders arranged, plays his guitar on, and, in some cases, sings.
“It’s like he’s still with us,” said Todd Hancock, who co-directs Easy Street along with Maureen Collins. “We can hear him.”
Now in its 29th year, “Miracle on Easy Street” is the colorful, comical and choreographed Christmas revue that has become a holiday staple. The energetic and upbeat show is collection of singing, skits, dancing Santas and grand music and dance numbers that features more than 150 performers of all ages.
Shows will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at Powers Auditorium.
The death of Sanders, who was 53, was a shock that came just as rehearsals were getting underway for “Miracle,” which is the tentpole of Easy Street’s season.
Losing Sanders was a huge blow for the company, as he was music director for the past 25 years. He arranged the music, conducted the band and played guitar and synthesizer.
But, in keeping with the showman’s spirit, his death became a rallying point and everyone stepped up to fill the void.
“Maureen said it best the night we found out about Jeff,” said Hancock. “She said this could either totally tear us down or it could bring us together, and I think that is what happened. When we told the dancers and the Little Rascals [the younger members], all of the kids that the same reaction. Kids are resilient, and they were like, ‘Let’s make it the best it can be for Jeff.’
“Maureen asked them to make it the most enjoyable ‘Miracle’ ever, because that’s what Jeff would want,” continued Hancock. “It sounds cliche, but it’s true. He would never want to be the end of Easy Street or ‘Miracle.’ He was very proud of it. And the heart of the show is the kids, and it’s important that we continue. It’s the best way to honor Jeff’s memory.”
The Easy Street band is now being led by Don Yallech, the longtime percussionist. Lake Baum has been added to handle the guitar and synthesizer parts, replacing Sanders.
“Miracle” is always a blast of glittery holiday escapism, and this year will be no different. But there will be a couple of moments set aside to pay tribute to Sanders.
The troupe has added the song “Seasons of Love” from the musical “RENT” and also Leonard Cohen’s moving ballad “Hallelujah.”
“‘Seasons of Love’ is about celebrating friends, and not taking them for granted, because you might lose them,” said Hancock, who wrote a few extra verses for “Hallelujah.”
Other than that, the show will have the same spark and pace as always, with five new numbers inserted this year.
A junior chorus also has been added this year to showcase teen performers Elizabeth Amstutz, Wil Arnim and Natalie Kovacs.
The principal cast members will be Hancock and Collins, plus James McClellan, Colleen Chance, Candace Campana, Bailey Conley, Cortney MacKay and Doug Collins.
Megan Cleland is again serving as choreographer.
In addition to Yallech and Baum, the band members are Rick Blackson, Mike Oleksa, Tim Harker, Dan Heasley, Terry Gale, Bill Forrester and Jeff Bremer.