Submitted by Andy Nagle for “In My Life”
When the touring show “In My Life – A Musical Theatre Tribute to the Beatles” returns to the Washington Center on October 11, be on the lookout for two quartets — not just one.
The Olympia High School String Quartet has the privilege of joining the professional actors on stage to add an element of orchestral texture to the evening.
“In My Life” is the musical retelling of the Beatles story through the eyes of manager Brian Epstein and features the live music of renowned tribute band, Abbey Road. The band features Chris Paul Overall (“Paul”), Nathaniel Bott (“John”), Zak Schaffer (“George”) and Axel Clarke (“Ringo”). Brian Epstein is played by Murphy Martin. The production includes multimedia, period costumes and vintage instruments. The show has toured for years and is widely considered by industry insiders to be the most unique Beatles show in decades.
Olympia High School seniors Anna Elewski, Hyunjin Kim and Eric So and sophomore George Tanasse will join the band for the songs “Eleanor Rigby,” “Yesterday,” “A Day in the Life,” “Hello Goodbye,” and “Hey Jude.” In a special touch, “Yesterday” is played as a scene in which the Paul McCartney character plays the song for the first time for Beatles producer George Martin with the songwriter explaining that he envisioned a string-quartet accompaniment.
All quartet members perform with the Olympia High School Chamber and Symphony Orchestras as well as other prestigious area ensembles, including the Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia, All-Northwest Orchestra and the Capital Area Youth Symphony. The OHS Chamber Orchestra was awarded best in state two years ago and placed third in state last year. Kim placed first in the state last year with a piano trio at the solo and ensemble competition.
The producers of “In My Life” approached Olympic High Orchestra Director Joseph Dyvig looking for a talented ensemble which could hold their own with a rock band in front of an audience. The show commonly uses a local quartet to augment the production while on tour and hired an OHS quartet to perform last year at the Washington Center.
“When we find a strong program like the Olympic High Orchestra, we go back to the same program year after year,” said Andy Nagle, the show’s producer.
Elewski was a member of the OHS quartet which performed with the “In My Life” show last October at the Washington Center. “It was a high energy show and I had a lot of fun,” she said. “It made me appreciate Beatles music more.”
Hyunjin Kim shares, when asked about her instrument, “The violin is so versatile and capable of playing so many different music genres beyond classical,” she said. “It has a pure sound. When everyone has their parts down and we’re clicking together, there’s this weird sense of community in orchestra,” Kim adds. “We make this huge beautiful thing.”
The quartet’s viola player, So switched to the instrument from violin two years ago. “I like the lower voice the viola can produce,” said Do. “Viola parts have a nice concept of beat and rhythm and the instrument is underrated.”
Tanasse, the cello player, sites “Here Comes the Sun” as his favorite tune. “The cello is different from most instruments,” said Tanasse. “It’s soothing.”
Elewski, So and Tanasse are the group’s Beatles fans. Elewski was a member of the OHS quartet which performed with the “In My Life” show last October at the Washington Center. “It was a high energy show and I had a lot of fun,” she said. “It made me appreciate Beatles music more.” So’s favorite Beatles song is “Eleanor Rigby” and Tanasse’s favorite Fab Four tune is “Here Comes the Sun.”
The multi-media musical returns to the Washington Center Main Stage on Tuesday, October 11 at 7:30 pm.
Tickets are $25-$55 and may be purchased online, by phone at 360-753-8586, by email at boxoffice@washingtoncenter.org or by visiting the theatre box office. Student, senior and group discounts are offered. The show is appropriate for all ages. The show played to a capacity crowd last year at the Washington Center.
