Shreveport Louisiana Little Theatre's "Taffeta Memories'

Take a stroll through the 1950s when Shreveport Little Theatre presents the campy musical "Taffeta Memories," beginning Thursday."It has big hair and that's always good for SLT," said Bobby Darrow, executive director of SLT and director of the production. "I think that our audiences will enjoy this nostalgic revisit of the '50s and it's fun, and we need fun."

"Taffeta Memories" is a part of the Taffeta musical series, which includes "The Taffetas," "A Taffeta Christmas" and "A Taffeta Wedding." The premise pays homage to the female vocal groups of the 1950s and early 1960s, such as The Fontane Sisters and The Maguire Sisters. The Taffetas are four sisters from Muncie, Ind., who have found success as America's singing sweethearts.

"These girls harmonize so well together," Darrow said of the women cast as the sisters. "When they get it right it's just beautiful."

Portraying the roles of the singing sisters are Troquel Riley, Virginia Walker, Seva May and Jenny Senier.
"The four sisters have gotten back for a reunion," said Senier, who plays Donna. The songs are linked together under the premise that the women are in a studio performing for a live audience and performing for those at home watching — much like "American Bandstand."

"It's been a while and it's been greatly anticipated," said Riley of The Tafetta's reunion. She'll be playing the role of Kaye.

"Our four voices just blend so well together, and that's unusual for non-related people's voices to go so well," May said. "The reason they sounded so good were because they were kin to each other, sisters or cousins."
Senier added that the sisters also pay homage to vocalist Patti Page, who died Jan. 1.
"We're singing a lot of her songs," Senier said. "I didn't realize how many were hers. It's kind of fun."
Handling choreography for the production is Erin Middleton. A graduate of Centenary College with a background in dance, this is Middleton's first stage production to choreograph.
"My number one goal has been cheese," Middleton said laughing. "It's all about perfection, and a little slice of June Cleaver. I try to think about the over exuberance of everything being perfect. With the dance moves, the cheesier the better."
The cheese she's referring to is comedic precedence that was a part of that time, plus the over-the-top costumes mixed with a whole lot of hip.
"We're very serious about it, but the audience should get a kick out of how ridiculous some of those moves were back in those days," May said. "Much like the moves are today that we think are ridiculous."
As for plans to "stay together" for another reunion show?
"Perhaps, but not dressed like this," May said in her taffeta attire. "If we get invited to a Rotary Club meeting I think it would be fun."

Bobby Darrow ... Director
If  You Go :
What : "Taffeta Memories
When : 8:p.m. Thursday-Saturday and January 17-19 ; 2p.m. Sunday and January 20 .
Shreveport Little Theatre  , 812 Margaret Place , Shreveport ,Louisana
Featuring : a production by Shreveport Little Theatre .
Admission : $22 ; $10; student rush
Information :(318) 424-4439  or www.shreveportlittletheatre.com.
CAST :
Troquel Riley .... Kaye
Vigina Walker ...Peggy
Seve  May ..........Cheryl
Jenny Senier .....Donna

Thanx Derick  ... NEE

jdjones@gannett.com