Three Redneck Tenors

Saturday night, February 17th, Frank and I attended a musical/comedy show called 3 Redneck Tenors. We did not know what to expect but decided to break out of our usual predictable show mode and try an outing that could be different and fun. The show was a fund raiser for the Livermore Valley Opera but a promised comedic aspect made us give it a try. It was enjoyable and we were glad we'd gone.

Promotional materials for the show describe 3 Redneck Tenors as follows:

What happens when you mix classically trained vocal artists from world opera stages with stand-up comedy and improv? The result is the 3 Redneck Tenors. This sensational trio will bring its one-of-a-kind musical comedy to the Bankhead Theater on February, 17, 2024 at 7:00pm for a special benefit performance. As these charismatic characters hit the stage, the audience will embark on a rollicking adventure filled with unexpected surprises, unforgettable tunes, and plenty of laughs. The 3 Redneck Tenors, with a down-home twist, combine their world-class vocal prowess with side-splitting comedy, performing music ranging from gospel, to country, to Broadway, pop and yes, classical.

Admittedly the first half was way more our speed, and the song choices were very recognizable. In fantastic harmonies and a bit of operatic style the trio started out with tunes from TV shows, Bonanza, Rawhide, The Jeffersons, among others I've already forgotten but enjoyed. They encouraged audience verbal participation with cheers and "Boo's" and "Aaw 's" and rhythmic accompaniment with clapping. They moved on to songs from musicals; Alone in the Universe from Seussical the Musical, the Impossible Dream from the Man of La Mancha, and Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera are three I remember. 

The second half had a bit more advertising and more operatic selections. They did sing the number they'd done on America Has Talent (and lost the competition). It was a version of Beethovens' Fifth. There were no words,  just 🎶 buh, buh, buh buhs 🎶 , which were bemusing and funny but certainly not award winning. Overall Frank and I enjoyed the show, and liked being out. In keeping with the redneck tone, the lobby had Ho-Ho's, Ding Dongs, and Twinkies for snacks. I did cave and eat a Ding Dong to keep in the spirit of the event. (Actually, I ate two! I hadn't had one of these in years.)

For sale in the lobby were also 3 Redneck Tenors cook books. The entire first chapter specialized in dishes made with Velveeta. I did not buy the cookbook. There were T-shirts for sale too. The back had a picture of a camper type trailer and read MOBILE HOME SCHOOLED. I did not buy the shirt either.