Musical Gets Chance To Shine Four Years After COVID Canceled Show

FRANKFORT, IL — Three weeks before the debut of "The Soundtrack of Our Lives," from local theater group Spotlight Arts Collective, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down all large gatherings.

The local original musical production was indefinitely postponed during this time, and now, finally, four years later, it is set to return to the stage at CD&ME in Frankfort, according to a release from the theater group.

Spotlight Arts Collective will present the world premiere of this movie soundtrack musical on Nov. 22 – 24 as part of its upcoming fundraising event. The show features iconic songs from blockbuster films over the past 40 years, such as "Footloose", "Dirty Dancing", "Sister Act", "The Greatest Showman", "Barbie", "The Muppets" and more.

Director Frankie Lopez began the project in 2019 and spent over a year carefully crafting The Soundtrack of Our Lives, according to the group. The project was halted until 2023, when Tamara Heerde, Executive Director of Spotlight Arts Collective, collaborated with Frankie to reignite the project.

Frankie transplanted his original cast and added a few new cast members as well, the group said.

“It’s hard to align the stars just right to have your original Music Director and cast available and willing to participate again after so many years have passed,” Frankie said in a release. “It speaks volumes to their dedication and commitment to not only the show but also to me.”

With the support of Tamara Heerde and the Spotlight Arts Collective Board, the production is set to finally make its world premiere at CD&ME in Frankfort the weekend before Thanksgiving.

“When Tamara and I were in our first discussions about reviving the show, my one major request was to have it at CD&ME in Frankfort,” Frankie said. “The venue is absolutely gorgeous. If we were going to breathe new life into the show, I wanted to make sure it was at the perfect location to reflect that. We waited patiently for the availability to make that happen.”

Frankie also takes on the role of choreographer, collaborating with Jaime Zwart and Rosie Knezz. Marty Donovan, Sara Martin and Tamara Heerde are at the helm as producers; Jeremy Landig serves as music director, leading the orchestration of a five-piece band, while Lara Heritage and Mimi Pahis serve as dedicated assistant directors.

Attendees can expect a unique theater experience, with table seating, shareable charcuterie and dessert boards, and a cash bar, according to the group. Individual seats and table reservations are available.

Spotlight Arts Collective fundraising activities will accompany the performances, including raffles and silent auction items made possible by generous donations from local businesses and supporters.

“We’ve always believed that the arts can bring people together,” Tamara said. “After everything we’ve all experienced during the pandemic, it feels more important than ever to support local theater and ensure that our community continues to have access to diverse, high-quality performances.”