The finale of ‘Reliving The 70s’ during opening night Friday at the Tool Shed in Dixon. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com

Jazmine Torres and Bear Schacht perform in ‘Reliving The 70s’. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com

The Dixon Player’s “Reliving The 70s” is a great big variety show. And I mean big – there are 39 musical numbers (I’m not  kidding), a live band and more than 25 cast members. This is indeed a spectacle in the small Tool Shed Theatre. It was a full house on opening night Friday.

Why are so many people willing to go all the way to Dixon whenever the Dixon Players perform? It’s because it’s always so much fun. In spite of the truly professional quality, I always feel like I’m in someone’s backyard, watching a bunch of enthusiastic kids put on an extravaganza for the entire neighborhood. It’s just for us — the neighbors – and the cast is having as much fun as we are.

The cast comes from all over northern New Mexico, including Los Alamos: Claire Singleton, Sheila Schiferl, Lisa Jo and Rob Dunham and probably others I can’t name because I don’t happen to know them.

No matter what your memories (or lack thereof) are of the 70s, there’s something here for you. The decade is thoroughly covered and then some with hits by Linda Ronstadt, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell, John Lennon, the Eagles and this is not a complete list by any means. Broadway productions include Grease, Chicago Jesus Christ Superstar and Chorus Line. It’s not all main stream either. The Ramones and Bob Marley also are in the mix.

The only major musician they seem to have missed from the decade was Bruce Springsteen. Next time I want Bruce Springsteen, guys. Small quibble – this is 10 years to cover in one show.

If you were around for the 70s, you know you want to see this. Like its predecessor “Back To The 60s” the show captures the spirit of the era.

The singing and dancing are great and the cast is having a blast. Standouts for me (and I’m only naming two because there are 28 performers) are Bear Schacht among the guys and Jazmine Torres among the ladies. Their numbers knocked my socks off, especially their duet on “Sumer Nights” from “Grease”.

The excellent musicians include Sheila Schiferl and Rick De Stefano on keyboards, Dick Padberg on guitar, Chris Molla (bass), Richard Kline (drums), Rob Dunham (saxes, EWI) and Terrance Martinez (trumpet). De Stefano, Padberg and Schiferl also add vocals.

Cindy Valerio co-directs with Holly Haas. Singer and pianist De Stefano is music director alongside Padberg as band leader. Schiferl is vocal director. They’ve given us a bang-up show.

I’m definitely feeling nostalgic.

The Dixon Plays are presenting  “Reliving The 70s” at 7 p.m. Oct.  8, 13 and 14 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15 at The Toolshed, #68 HWY 75 in Dixon. Tickets are $15 and $12 for students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased online at www.dixonplayers.com or at the Embudo Valley Library. Call 579.9102 for reservations or more information.

The band gets in the groove in ‘Reliving The 70s’. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com