"Across the Pond: The British Invasion" rocks the stage at Bluewater Playhouse

If you haven't got a ticket for "Across the Pond: The British Invasion," you should get one. In fact, go get one now before they're sold out.

The newest Leisa Way production opened last night (July 25) to an enthusiastic full-house at the Bluewater Summer Playhouse in downtown Kincardine, and ended with a well-deserved standing ovation.

The show celebrates 50 years of British pop and rock music, from those thrilling hits of the 1960s to today's biggest stars. It features the music of the "Fab Four" (the Beatles), the Rolling Stones, Elton John, Petula Clark, Dusty Springfield and many more great artists, who came to North America from Britain and Europe.

Way, who hails from Sudbury, and her five-piece Lonely Hearts Club Band, are absolutely incredible.

From those first few bars to the final chord, the audience is simply swept away on a fabulous musical adventure.

Way's amazing voice is backed up beautifully by this band of talented musicians who, on several numbers, take over the vocals while Way makes one of several costume changes.

Joining Way on stage, are Bobby Prochaska of Toronto, bass and lead vocals; Fred Smith of Kitchener, guitars and lead vocals; Nathan Smith of North Bay, fiddle, guitars, mandolin and lead vocals; Bruce Ley of Mulmer (near Shelburne), piano, guitars and lead vocals; and Sam Cino of Guelph, drums and lead vocals.



Leisa Way (in the blond hair), with the Lonely Hearts Club Band, from left, Fred Smith, Bruce Ley, Sam Cino, Nathan Smith and Bobby Prochaska, in "Across the Pond: the British Invasion;" photos courtesy of Way-to-Go Productions

Mixed in with the phenomenal music, is a great narrative about the "British Invasion."

You'll learn that Paul McCartney wrote a song for British pop duo Peter and Gordon (Peter Asher and Gordon Waller) to record, and it ended up knocking the Beatles' top hit off the charts.

The Rolling Stones were considered a rougher, raunchier and ruder version of The Beatles.

Jerry and the Pacemakers had three hits before The Beatles arrived on the scene.

Herman's Hermits appealed to British and Canadian audiences because they were a bit naughty and cheeky.

The show carries a wide variety of music, superbly performed. It's a joy to watch, and Way and the band appear to have a great time performing it.

The only disappointing thing about this marvellous show is that it runs only until Friday.

Tickets, if there are any still available, can be purchased in person at the Bluewater Summer Playhouse Box Office located in the Kincardine Arts Centre at 707 Queen Street, Kincardine, or by calling 519-396-5722. Select tables are also available for purchase on-line at www.bluewatersummerplayhouse.com