A musical revue like "The Taffetas" might sound easy enough to produce to the average theatergoer whose role is to sit back and enjoy the toe-tapping tunes from the 1950s.
From the perspective of the director's chair, it's a little more than that.
Joe Milliren of Irwin, who directs Apple Hill Playhouse's second show of its 2011 season, says the premise of the show is simple: A girl group of four sisters makes their television debut on a musical variety show.
"The biggest challenge is finding the four girls with the versatility to hold their own and blend those tight harmonies, be able to wail on the solo numbers, and act the part of four sisters in a time when life was simpler," he says, "and how to capture the flavor of that era before the Internet, YouTube, iPads and MTV to the actors and an audience who can't imagine life without those things."
Milliren says the Apple Hill production features a talented cast that can master the 45 songs or portions of songs in the show, including "Allegheny Moon," "Mockingbird Hill," "Mr. Sandman," "Love Letters in the Sand" and "Johnny Angel."
"These girls are amazing! They have worked tirelessly on the music, and in doing so, have created a bond perfect for the show. Audiences of all ages will not only enjoy the music, but also find themselves cheering on the Taffetas as they discover what the future holds for them," the director says.
The girl group is portrayed by Katie Aiello of Irwin (as Cheryl), Sarah Noone of Greensburg (Kay), Allison Petrillo of Latrobe (Peggy) and Josey Miller of Greensburg (Donna).
Miller was a last-minute addition when another actor had to bow out. The character that she portrays, Donna, is "somewhat country, loves cars, and is often, well, a little slow on the up-take," she says.
Even though none of the women in the cast grew up at the time when the songs in the show were popular, Miller says the revue's music is universal and should appeal to all ages.
"I think that the dynamic between the sisters and their instant likability is what will draw in audience members who are unfamiliar with the music or are from younger generations," Noone says. "We all get along like sisters and that shows in our performance."
She describes her character, Kaye, as the leader and foundation of the singing group.
"She is the older sister whom all the other girls go to for advice and trust to take charge and be the motherly influence when they are off doing their personal appearance tours."
Additional Information:'The Taffetas'
When: Thursday-June 11 at 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturday and 2 p.m. June 8
Admission: $19; $16 on Thrifty Thursdays
Where: Apple Hill Playhouse, Manor Road, Delmont
Details: 724-468-5050 or website
