I’m Feelin’ It, Take Me Back!

Reviewed by Marilu Murphy

First impressions set the tone for me.  Victoria Playhouse in Petrolia hasn’t once disappointed me.  The stage set at the opening production of Good Vibrations is bright and colourful with round paper lanterns strung high across the width of the stage. The lighting smartly simulates waves on the back wall with the band directly in front. Surf boards, a duck swim ring, a small round table and two chairs complete with an umbrella to the right certainly gives the impression that this is a beach. Everyone loves a Beach Party!

Let the Party begin!  The band, Michael Lavereau on Guitar, Nathan Nykor on Keyboards, Evan Chambers on Drums and Charlie Kramers on electric and stand-up bass explode on to the stage striking up the song with the same title as the production. “Good Vibrations” is a number one hit by the Beach Boys. The band is immediately followed by Christine McKeon, Kory Fulton, April Wong and Nic Palazzolo dressed in colourful beachwear reminiscent of the 60’s and 70’s. They are ready for a sun-soaked party and an excitingly good time on the seashore. They join the band belting out the song, “Good Vibrations” which melts away to “Surfing Safari”, “Surf City”, “Surfing USA” and “Surfer Girl”.  The choreography with the surfboards is outstanding, I am impressed and this is only the beginning of the performance. The singers’ harmonies create depth and emotion as they slip from one song to another, flawlessly changing key.

The four beach goers settle in on the beach spreading themselves out on towels to catch some rays. April sits with her sunshades enjoying the breeze while Christine, known as Teeny, reaches into her beach bag and meticulously pulls out, one by one, every product that she needs for beauty upkeep and her tan. Kory gives little grunts while he works on his abs doing sit ups and push ups. Nic is totally mesmerized with his Duck Swim Ring that is equipped with a squeaky beak.

Stage right, Chris Lyon enters wearing headphones, baggy pants and a t-shirt. He’s oblivious as to where he is.  Teeny isn’t impressed when he stands directly in front of her as she lays on her towel soaking up the rays. She tries to get his attention to let him know that he’s blocking her sun. They all quickly become friends with Chris as long as he doesn’t touch Nic’s Duck, NOBODY touches the Duck!

Chris quizzically asks about the band, he’s lost, he doesn’t know anything about the bands that his new friends speak of or the music or this Kokomo Beach that he’s standing on. It’s like he has stepped into different era, one of beach parties and soon to be road trips. However, he fits in quickly with the help of his new friends and finds his voice.  He sings the Beach Boys cover song “I Can Hear Music”. His voice is crisp, clean and powerful. As a fresh face at Victoria Playhouse, Chris brings a wealth of extensive professional talent to the stage. I was very impressed with his voice and his expressive, energetic moments while in character. Chris is another actor that I’ll be hoping to see again.

Chris, Teeny, April, Nic and Kory sing harmoniously together and solos from the Mamas & the Papas and many other artists. April sings “Monday Monday”, her vocals are flawless, and the deep, emotion she pours into the song is just beautiful. April Wong is a newcomer to the Victoria Playhouse as well. She is originally from New Brunswick. I would never have guessed that this production is her first professional theatre show.

Christine McKeon sings with a resonant, full-bodied, and vibrant voice. When she sings “Where the Boys Are”, originally sung by Connie Francis, her voice is so expressive and beautiful, I got goose bumps. “Teeny” is no stranger to the Victoria Playhouse stage. I’ll be looking forward to seeing her again.

Talented Kory Fulton is a newcomer to the Victoria Playhouse as well. He sang the theme song from the Monkees show, “Hey, Hey, We’re the Monkees”. Kory has a extensive resume of singing and acting credentials, making his portfolio incredibly long and diverse. I will be watching to see him again on stage.

Nic Palazzolo sang the “Last Train to Clarksville”. His voice is natural, clean and full bodied. He is another first timer originally from Windsor Ontario. He spent two years onboard a luxury cruise line as a main-stage vocalist. He has returned to Toronto to pursue his career in theatre. His attachment to the Duck Swim Ring has the audience giggling with his antics.

The band is heavily involved not only with their instruments but joining in as well with the actors on stage. Evan Chambers’ rendition of “Wipe Out” is very impressive, the audience is enthralled with his talent on the skins. The performance hits one popular song after the other, melting each song into the next and delivering some very nostalgic surprises that will take you way back.

Good Vibrations is an immensely entertaining production. It’s most definitely a trip back to the vibrant music of the 1960’s and 1970’s. It masterfully evokes powerful nostalgia and fond memories of that era. This opening performance was pristine, absolutely flawless. The choreography is perfectly timed and executed, the musical arrangements are presented artistically and the vocal performances deliver outstanding clarity, richness with stunning harmonies. It is a truly exceptional performance, and is rewarded by an enthusiastic audience with a standing ovation for the entire cast and band.

Good Vibrations is playing at the Victoria Playhouse in Petrolia from July 7 to July 31 at 2 PM and on July 24 there is a showing at 7:30 PM with a cabaret following the performance. You can order tickets online at thevpp.ca or call the Box Office at 1-800-717-7694 or 519-882-1221

Photo:  Nic Palazzolo, Christine McKeon, Christopher Lyon, Kory Fulton, April Wong. Photo by Diane O’Dell

Good Vibrations 
Created by David Roger’s & Leah Grandmont
Performed by Christopher Lyon, Kory Fulton, Christine McKeon, Nicolas Palazzolo, and April Wong.
Band – Evan Chambers (percussion), Nathan Nykor (keys), Charlie Kramers (bass), and Michael Lavereau.
Director/Choreographer:  David Hogan
Musical Director:  Mark Payne
Victoria Playhouse, Petrolia
July 7 to July 31 2026
Reviewed by Marilu Murphy