When it comes to eras of cultural influence in America, the 1970s are usually overlooked.
They lacked the tumultuous winds of change of the 1960s or the political and technological transformations that arrived in the ’80s. And, let’s face it, the funky fashions and hairstyles of the ’70s have not stood the test of time.
But “8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s,” a musical revue that opened in its San Diego professional premiere Saturday at New Village Arts Theatre in Carlsbad, is a fun and breezy trip back in time.
Co-written by Rick Seeber and Michael Gribbin, ‘8-Track” features excerpts from more than 60 pop, rock, R&B and soul songs of the era, along with snippets of audio recordings from newscasts and TV shows.
As a revue, “8-Track” doesn’t have any dialogue. The show’s title was inspired by the multitrack box cassettes of the ’70s and the show’s songs are separated into eight themed chapter “tracks.” There’s a track of songs related to protest and the end of the Vietnam War’s conclusion, as well as a long set dedicated to the disco era. There are also songs about smoking pot, road trips, sex, women’s liberation and more.
The show features a cast of four, who alternate singing solos and collaborating on duets and quartets. Melissa Fernandes has some standout solos on “Don’t Cry Out Loud” and “I Am Woman.” Kingsley Jackson shines on “War,” “Smoke from a Distant Fire” and the amusing “Convoy.” Juanita Harris is exception in the songs “You Light Up My Life” and “Until You Come Back to Me.” And Kyros Jijia Shen is endearing in “Alone Again, Naturally,” among other songs.
Because the ’70s were a comparatively peaceful time in American history, most of the songs in “8-Track” have a feel-good, celebratory and upbeat vibe. A few exceptions are the 1970 Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong song “War” (“What is it good for? Absolutely Nothing”) and Marvin Gaye’s 1971 song “What’s Going On?”
Gerilyn Brault directed the production with crisp pacing and playful energy. She also designed sound. All of the music is sung to recorded tracks.
Joy Newbegin designed choreography and E.Y. Washington served as musical director. Zach Elliot designed the scenery with costumes by Janet Pitcher and lighting by Chris Renda.
The show runs 1 hour 45 minutes, with intermission. The first act drags a little and the wigs and costumes seem a bit cartoonish in style. But the second half, loaded with great songs (and better wigs), is so entertaining that many in the opening night audience sang, clapped along and did the signature arm moves for the Village People’s iconic “YMCA.”
How much you’ll enjoy the show may be determined by your familiarity with the music of the ’70s. I grew up in that era and not only recognized every number but also the context in how I first experienced these songs nearly 50 years ago. It was sweet nostalgia.
‘8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s’
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Through Sept. 15
Where: New Village Arts, 2787 State St., Carlsbad
Tickets: $25-$60
Phone: (760) 433-3245
Online: newvillagearts.org