The Salvation Army’s ReCreate Café has partnered with a local group of performers to host the regional premiere of the award-winning musical, It’s Only Life, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at 7 p.m.
Review for It's Only Life:
Debuting in 2006, It’s Only Life is a musical revue based on the works of renowned composer and lyricist John Bucchino. Its most popular numbers include That Smile, Grateful, and the show’s title song, It’s Only Life. The show touches on themes of yearning, fulfillment, heartbreak, and healing, as shown through the character’s interactions with one another.
Jonathan Goff directs, with musical direction by Rudy Foster and piano accompaniment by Curtis Jolley. Mr. Goff and Mr. Foster are also a part of the five member cast, which includes Beth McClary, Jesse Rademacher and Elizabeth Spivey, all from the Chattanooga area and with extensive musical theater experience.
Tenika Dye, the ReCreate Café’s artistic director, serves as the show’s producer and assistant director. The production team includes Kimberly Skoda for choreography and Phillip Hartsuiker for stage management.
Mr. Goff says, “John Bucchino is one of the few artists who can capture the human spirit with profound insight and beauty. It’s Only Life will strike many Chattanooga theater goers as unique because it is forward-looking and refreshingly authentic. We are so excited to bring this piece to Chattanooga for the first time.”
The Salvation Army’s ReCreate Café Arts Program has two focuses: to provide the homeless population of Chattanooga with creative and artistic opportunities for entertainment or self-expression, and to provide the café as an affordable venue for area artists to perform.
The production is underwritten by the sponsorship of Chick-fil-A at Gunbarrel Pointe.
Tickets are $10 for the general public and $7 for students and seniors. They are available at the door or online at iolchattanooga.brownpapertickets.com. The ReCreate Café is at 800 McCallie Ave. across from the UTC campus.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/recreatecafearts or contact Tenika Dye, ReCreate Café artistic director, at 305-6208 or by email to tenika_dye@uss.salvationarmy.org.