Music, Dance and Community: “Across the Universe”

— by Margie Doyle —

“Across the Universe” with Beatles’ music at the Orcas Center. Sold out, but you can always try for last-minute tickets

Imagine, from across the universe over 120 islanders have come together to work since February to bring a musical extravaganza to Orcas audiences this weekend and next, all for the benefit of the Orcas Center.

The performance of Beatles songs is the work of singer/songwriter/teacher Grace McCune, and singer/writer/producer Jake Perrine, and with sold-out audiences for all four nights, it promises to be of great financial benefit to the Orcas Center.

McCune’s motivation to produce shows to benefit Orcas Center comes from her love for the Center. “It brings all ages of the community together, not just through music, but through art and lectures — in many ways. It is so cool to create something to bring awareness of all that Orcas Center means to the community.”

With her children’s choir and Rock on the Rock choirs forming the backbone for “Across the Universe,” McCune and Perrine have presented, rehearsed and polished group numbers and solos for the show. Dancers Kara O’Toole (also Orcas Center’s director) and Laura Ludwig have choreographed and trained the dancers for the show.

Orcas Island Education Foundation has sponsored a Theatre Arts class at the High School by Perrine, which is also part of the ensemble. There will also be a silks aerial performance by Maria Bullock and musicians  Jim Bredouw, Martin Lund, Lek Thixton, and Jeffrey Horton will add to the show.

About 10 students have received scholarships totaling $1,000, offered by McCune herself and the Orcas Center. “From my own experience being involved in plays, I know that shows like ‘Across the Universe’ are a creative outlet for music, dance and acting that is an important part of childhood. It is pure joy to watch the kids share and express and have a safe way to do this, to come together to make a show.

“Adults are the same way too, but kids are a special part of it. My growing years the arts have made me who I am.”

Grace McCune, the muse behind “Across the Universe” to benefit Orcas Center

Through the past four months, Jake Perrine has shared the fun, but also rigorous work, of putting on the show. The last two weeks have involved 12 to 14-hour days, every day, so that the performances come off perfectly. McCune says, “We first started working together when Sparks cast us as leads in the Enchanted Forest series.

“In 2013, Jake helped record and produce my album; we also worked together on ‘Les Miserables’. Last year, he jumped on board with ‘Moulin Rouge,’ helping with the staging and production.” Perrine is an instructor at the Seattle Art Institute, in sound engineering and a representative of Hal Leonard Music. McCune says” We work really well together. We’re able to pull off these kind of shows because we each bring to the table what we do best.”

Their original intent was to produce “Across the Universe” because, as Grace says, “The Beatles are a timeless band. Even though they broke up before I was born, my mother listened to their music and even the kids in the choir know Beatles music. It’s so accessible; everybody enjoys the Beatles, there’s lots to love there.”

“Across the Universe” has required a prodigious amount of McCune and Perrine’s time and energy but Grace says, “I love the work so much, not just for the music, which is my lifelong passion, but for the people and community. It bursts my heart open to see and hear the kids doing “Twist and Shout” or “Give Peace a Chance.” They perform in front of an audience and face their fears — the adults do too! It’s inspiring,” she says simply.

“The whole point of having the benefit is to bring awareness to those who not know this is a place to be involved in — in front of the curtains in the audience, onstage, or behind the scenes.”

Tickets for “Across the Universe” are sold out, however those who would like to attend the show and weren’t able to secure a ticket before they sold out, are welcome to take advantage of Orcas Center’s waitlist. Simply come to the Box Office one hour prior to the show to put your name on the waitlist for that evening’s perfornance. (Each performance will reflect a NEW unique waitlist with the names of the folks who show up that evening.)

Even if you’re unable to get a ticket, all are welcome to show their support for Orcas Center and shows such as “Across the Universe” by volunteering for a variety or opportunities online at orcascenter.org/support/volunteer or by becoming a member for as little as $25 annually ($10 for seniors). To become a member, go to  orcascenter.org/support/members.