The Bop She Bops

About the Show

Three women return to their high school ten years later to prove they do have talent.  This heartwarming tribute to girl groups of the '60s features such old-time favorites as "These Boots Were Made for Walkin," "My Boyfriend's Back," "Chapel of Love," and "Stop in the Name of Love."

Notes from Artistic Director Charles Burr

By Lydia Bushfield

Music of the 1950’s and 60’s

(see the song list below)

I was involved with the initial production of this show down at the Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre.  An improv company had done a show about three girls with dreams of being a singing group many years ago at Chaffin’s.  The producer wanted us to see if we could revive that show.    We looked at the tape of it.  It was never going to work.  What had been funny when it was off the cuff was no longer humorous.  The music selections had been tailored for those performers strengths without much thought of variety or appropriateness for the character who was singing it.  Fortunately, Lydia Bushfield was on hand, one of the house playwrights for Chaffin’s Barn.  She devised a simple, but endearing story for the three girls and the necessary hooks on which to hang as many songs as possible.

One of things I like about this show, is that it could have just been a revue of girl group material. Instead, with a real plot, it is a much richer experience.  You get to know a little about the girls.  Each has a very specific story to tell.  And it is set in a time of tremendous change: Vietnam, Civil Rights, the Sexual Revolution, the dramatic shift of popular music….all of which affect the story in some way.

It is still the tale of three girls who have dreams of impressing the whole school at their Senior High Talent show.  They fail miserably.  Ten years later, just in time for the 10th reunion dinner, they decide to prove to their friends once and for all they have the talent to do it.  We follow their rehearsals in the basement, eavesdrop on their hopes and dreams and share a number of joys and a tear or two along the way.  The cornucopia of songs for this show should set anyone tapping their toes.  I will draw the line at dancing in the aisles---at least until curtain call…

Song List

It's In His Kiss

Who Put the Bomp

Book of Love

A Teenager in Love
Where the Boys Are
My Boyfriend's Back

Tell Him

Rock and Roll is Here to Stay

At the Hop

Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini

I'll Never Fall in Love Again
These Boots Are Made For Walking
Young at Heart

Until It's Time for You to Go

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

One Less Bell To Answer

Chapel of Love
Stop, in the Name
Sh-Boom

Will You Love Me Tomorrow

Save the Last Dance For Me

Twist and Shout

I Say a Little Prayer

Mister Sandman

Respect

presented with the generous support of:

Wal-Mart Distribution #6043

Wal-Mart Transportation Center #6843