Akron presented a cappella group Straight No Chaser on Friday, December 13th (a full moon) in its iconic 95-year-old Civic Theatre. Akron’s Civic is one of the jewels of old vaudeville, with its deep colors and fantastic Arabian Nights theme — a perfect venue for holiday events. People of every age and background are wonderstruck by its recently renovated lobby and auditorium, and its brilliant starry sky. (Barberton’s smaller version is equally charming.)
Straight No Chaser is a combination of comedy and really fine music. Their humor is accessible to all ages and in as good taste as their fabulous music. They are a combination of elegance, light-hearted humor, style, and accessible prowess. They have a unique and distinctive a cappella sound, with an imaginative use of vocals and physical sound effects that add to their charm. They mimic live instrumentation, hip-hop production, nature sounds and more, with vivid influences from world music and cinema.
The first half of the concert featured covers of music from the Beatles to Elton John to Motown. The second half was all holiday cheer.
They made use of the theatrical arts with video backdrops, imaginative lighting and dance routines, topped off with audience engagement and their unique onstage camaraderie. The overflowing audience participated by dancing in the aisles, singing along and roaring with laughter. Most of the audience were repeat customers and those that weren’t will almost certainly be back next year.
A great medley honoring 90s women earned laughs and cheers with its irresistible vocals and dazzling arrangements. The second half combined silly takes of holiday mainstays like “Jingle Bells” interspersed with more solemn and moving versions of Christmas carols and ballads. The group’s genuine joy in performing was contagious and the audience went home with the magic of the performance and of the season ringing in their hearts. Thanks to YouTube and sncmusic.com, everyone can revisit the group’s performances at any time.
The group’s Top Shelf winter tour will be at the State Theatre on Saturday December 21. If you missed them in Akron, tickets are still available for their Cleveland performance but will go soon!