By Tom Ewing and Lizabeth Jenkins-Dale
Where were you when you first heard the song, “Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off?” Allow the memories to flood in with song titles such as “Old Man River,” “The Way We Were,” “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” “Makin’ Whoopee,” and “Over The Rainbow!” All these songs and more can be heard next Thursday at The Soo Theatre Project, as well as songs from famous composers such as George Gershwin, Paul Robeson, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Frank Henry Loesser, and Sammy Cahn! Thursday night, August 29, everyone is invited to the historic Soo Theatre to once again enjoy the great sounds of “Mike Dempsey & Friends.”
Mike was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. He attended St. Mary’s and Sault High Schools. He received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Michigan State University, and then served in the U.S. Army. He has been the choral director at both Pontiac Central and Pontiac Northern High Schools and also served as choir director at several Oakland County area churches.
Mr. Dempsey has been music director for such large-scale musicals as South Pacific, Oklahoma, Carousel, The King and I, Music Man, Kiss Me Kate, Superman, You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, Mame, My Fair Lady, Gypsy, Sweet Charity, Li’l Abner, and The Sound of Music.
In 1995, he founded a singing group called the “Mike Dempsey & Friends.” In addition to writing the scripts and arranging the music, Mike serves as the pianist for this group. This assembly of talented musicians has performed composer-theme musicals throughout Southeastern Michigan. It is with great excitement and pleasure that The Soo Theatre Project’s stage welcomes him every year for a one-night-only performance!
This is the fifth show that Mike has organized to help raise money to support The Soo Theatre Project in his hometown. This year’s show, Encores!, will feature unforgettable hits by great American composers performed by Mike and his friends, as well as local talent including Karen Hughes Beacom, soprano; Maureen Delaney-Lehman, soprano; Linda Freeze, mezzo soprano; Lola Kennedy, mezzo soprano; Franc Laux, tenor; and John Young, baritone. This wonderful evening is further supported by Gig Stewart on bass, Eric Gadzinski on drums, and Tom Ewing as narrator.
Since this is a very popular event, advance ticket sales are highly recommended. Tickets are on sale now at The Soo Theatre Project’s office located on Ashmun Street. You can also call (906) 632-1930 or buy your tickets right here. Come and enjoy a night of memories through song and entertainment with “Mike Dempsey & Friends!”
A version of this article was originally published in the Soo Evening News on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2013.
