San Bernardino County Sun
October 21, 2010
Every night will be 'Saturday Night' at the Grove
Diana Sholley, Staff Writer
Posted: 10/21/2010 04:50:29 PM PDT
It's a little bit country, it's a little bit Broadway, but that's not all.
"Savin' Up for Saturday Night," which opens at Upland's Grove Theater tonight, is also a big ol' heap of fun.
"There's lots of comedy, bar fights, drinking - after all it does take place in a bar - and a slight element of sadness," said Richard Levinson, who is the show's co-producer and its songwriter.
"It's just a terrifically fun show."
"Savin' Up for Saturday Night" takes place at the Bar 'n' Fill, a honky-tonk gathering place that could be found in any American small town.
More than 19 musical numbers help the clientele of the Bar 'n' Fill feel better - if only for an evening.
"They're just regular people who are trying to make the best of their lives and try and forget why they're not happy," said Levinson, who also has taken on the role of piano player for this run.
Though the show seems to be slanted to a country-music crowd, its plot and stylings make it fun and entertaining for all musical theater lovers.
"People who love county music and dancing would love it, but they don't usually go to theater; people who go to theater might pass if they think it's a country show, but they shouldn't," he said.
"This is a show about life. It understands that life is complicated, but embracing those challenges is really what life is all about."
Levinson has been in the entertainment industry more than 30 years.
He's penned many, many songs including the hit song, "Let's Do Something Cheap and Superficial," from the film, "Smokey and the Bandit," starring Burt Reynolds and Sally Fields.
Playwright Jeff Goode took more than 18 of Levinson's best songs and created "Savin' Up for Saturday Night." The show premiered at Sacred Fools, a Los Angeles playhouse, and was a hit with its audiences.
"I think people can identify with the (characters in the) play and the title says it all," he said. "These feel like real people who are going through real problems and after a hard week need to get out and go where the music is good and the people are happy - if only for one night."
diana.sholley@inlandnewspapers.com, 909-483-9381
SAVIN' UP FOR SATURDAY NIGHT
Where: Grove Theatre, 276 E. Ninth St., Upland
When: Today through Nov. 21
Cost: $20-$25
Information: 909-920-4343, www.grovetheatre.com