“Sing-a-long at the Fitz”

Saturday’s ample crowd at the Fitzgerald Theater came ready to sing, but who would have expected to laugh nearly as heartily as they were singing? Dan Chouinard hosted the evening’s sing-along, a new twist on an old idea that was clearly a winner. Chouinard has an easy charm and witty style that could easily make him a one-man show, but he brought with him a room full of talented friends including his brother Bill, father John and his barbershop quartet, Beth Gilleland, Maria Jette, Peter Johnson, Prudence Johnson, Kevin Kling, Cyril Paul, Jim Price, T. Michael Rambo, Jerry Rau, Gary Rue, and Sima Shumilovsky. Raconteurs Gilleland and Kling added to the endorphin high that singing evokes with their hilarious story-telling.

Kathy Wedl contributed this report.

The songs, some of which could have been groaners in less capable hands, were led in an energetic style that allowed the stars to shine while bringing the enthusiastic crowd into the fun all the way. The suggestion by Chouinard that perhaps more sing-a-longs will follow was met with exuberant cheers by a well-pleased audience.