The story is set in 1978, so there is a lot of lively disco dancing, which is fascinating to see done by a group.
The production is like a concert, with a band fueling the singers, flashy light displays and mirror ball enhancing the aura, and confident performers pouring personality into songs.
Some people may have an automatic off button about the disco era, but many star singers of the period lit up the scene. Amy Riemer takes on Thelma Houston's "Don't Leave Me This Way" and captures its energy, dynamics and clarity. She delivers a huge, long, climactic note that tingles the spine. All of Riemer's solos — from the big-voice disco divas in their prime — are in her wheelhouse. Green Bay has a wowing singer right here.
Riemer also is vocal coach for the troupe. Everybody benefits.
The story allows the performers to take on a character, which puts meaning into songs. Buoyant troupe namesake Frank Hermans writes himself in a present-day bar, pining for the glorious and everything-fresh time of his youth. In a flashback, he's there — love struck, agile and full of hope — on a momentous night.
The songs in the show were played at the Green Bay rink. "I skated to every one of them," Hermans told the opening-night audience.
A sampler of singers and their songs: Kelly Haddad Gusloff and David Gusloff, "Too Much Too Little Too Late;" Lisa Andre, "Evergreen;" Pat Hibbard, "Magnet and Steel;" Emily Paulsen, "You Needed Me;" Hermans, "Angel Baby;" and Tom Verbrick, "Short People."
Guitarist Dennis Panneck has many nifty solo spots as he plays with Hibbard, bass; Tony Pilz, keyboards; and Dan Paquette, drums.
One of the splashy production numbers is a medley of Saturday morning cartoons, with the singers in a straight line front to back taking turns in the spotlight with the singers behind adding comical animation and harmony.
Troupe choreographer Verbrick has a lot to work with in this show. Everybody's into the action and motion, including Hermans and the two knees he had replaced at the beginning of the year.
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