Dan Neece has been at the helm of Enterprise Starship since the sparkly show choir launched 21 years ago, and it’s only fitting that he’ll be at the command post tonight as the Starship again takes flight as part of his final tour of duty.
Neece is retiring this June after 27 years of teaching music at Enterprise High School, and he’s lined up an extra-snappy Variety Hour for his swan song with the Starship. The Variety Hour, a high-energy blend of song, dance and music, begins at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the David Marr Auditorium on the Shasta Learning Center campus at 2200 Eureka Way in Redding.
Additional performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday and 1 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $7 and available at Mike’s Music & Sound, 924 Cypress Ave., and at the door. Call 222-6601 for details.
Neece said the Variety Hour will feature even more lights and costumes and will celebrate a family theme, which is fitting for a close-knit troupe that has worked hard to become a nationally recognized touring ensemble.
The program will feature Broadway show tunes, pop songs from artists like Michael Jackson and Tower of Power, and even some razzle-dazzle novelties like the “Twilight Zone” theme song performed under the eerie glow of black lights.
Neece said he’s also excited about highlighting the percussion section on Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Flight of the Bumblebee” that will be accompanied by a light show designed by Enterprise High alum Tim Williams. (Regular spectators of the Redding Trade Club’s annual lighted Christmas parade will recognize Williams’ work from the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. entry.)
Tiffany Rodrigues, an Enterprise High and Starship alum, has returned to choreograph the Variety Hour.
What: The 21st-Annual Enterprise Starship Variety Hour
When: 7:30 p.m. Thurs. Feb 21 through Sat. Feb. 23
Saturday Matinee: Feb 23 at 1 p.m.
Where: David Marr Theatre, 2200 Eureka Way, Redding, CA 96001
