The world could take a lesson from the Plainville Choral Society. In one of those "you had to be there" moments it came to me during the group's stellar performance of Smokey Joe's Cafe. You had to see them, standing on the stage together; so very much together. You had to feel it, the comraderie, the sheer joy of it, the motion as the adroit dancers move fluidly to and fro across the stage, purely for your relaxation and pleasure. Just try to catch the stunningly quick change of scene, many times even before the previous scene ends - mimicking the way life so many times hints at the future. No line up of cookie-cutter skinny shapes here or reminiscent rows of Rockettes. Physical differences and disabilities fade into the momentum of the production, the sparkle of the cheerful costumes and the magic mirror of the cast's obvious mutual respect for each other and their audience. You had to know it. The hours and hours of effort and rehearsal, the working separately and then in tandem, the choreography, technical decisions and the musical orchestration. Each contribution is critical to the whole.
We are so very fortunate to have them, this unique organization. Under the gentle guidance of Peter Peluso, multi-talented himself, individuals in varied stages of artistic development converge. He provides encouragement, challenge and polish for newcomers and competent professional coaching for the seasoned performers. What fun to watch a talent rise above personal shyness, like a genie released from the confines of a jar. His wife, Maryjane Peluso, is faithfully present at the piano. It is difficult to imagine a PCS production without her expertise.
The PCS is self-supporting and other than an occasional grant, it depends on ticket sales and benefactors for support. They have the spirit and they spread it around. Well-known for performing at our Concerts in the Park series, they turn up often to entertain service clubs around town, traditionally at holiday time. All performances are appropriate for all ages and the group is perennially careful to choose tasteful, warm and fuzzy vehicles.
Smokey Joe's Cafe, a succession of 60's musical selections, showcased the individual talents of many members. The stars just kept on coming. Dianne Daley's slinky feline rendering of "Some Cats Know", her solo debut, was smashing and I thought the statuesque Liz Friedmann outdid even herself. She sings, she dances, and I know she plays assorted musical instruments including the guitar. The piece de resistance for me, however, was Jim Lawrence's commanding delivery of "I, Who Have Nothing". Demanding my fixed attention, I found it moving and powerful and felt that it came from the depths of his soul. I hope you didn't miss it.
If you have a song in your heart (or your soul), or dancing feet, or even if you don't, the Plainville Choral Society welcomes you. There are no auditions required to belong and to sing in the chorus.
In today's busy world as we rush about in the pursuit of securing the finer things for the enrichment of ourselves and our family, take care not to overlook the treasures available so close to home.