Is there a more humble spotlight than the streetlamp?
In the 1950s and 60s, the street corner was the gathering spot for would-be musicians who couldn’t afford instruments, lived in cramped quarters and wanted a place to perform. They stood under the streetlamps and created intricate, entertaining harmonies for friends, fans and passersby.
That same spirit – the simple love of singing and a desire to entertain – is what drives the four members of Under the Streetlamp, a nationally touring show coming to Toledo on Tuesday.
The four singers all had leading roles in stage productions of “Jersey Boys” and, backed by a high-energy band, put their own spin on the music they love, from Doo Wop to Motown to Frank Sinatra to the Beach Boys.
“We call it the Great American Radio Songbook,” said Shonn Wiley, a native of Adrian, MI, who has been with Under the Streetlamp since 2010.
It’s music that Wiley’s parents loved and songs that filled his home while growing up.
“The music is timeless, and it was created at a time when there was not a lot of cynicism in the world. It was before Vietnam, before Kennedy’s assassination. It was kind of a golden age in this country,” Wiley said.
Wiley, 37, is a graduate of Adrian High School and Carnegie Mellon University who made his Broadway debut in a revival of “42nd Street.” He was featured as Bob Gaudio in the Chicago cast of “Jersey Boys,” where he met Michael Ingersoll, who played Nick Massi.
Ingersoll had and started Under the Streetlamp as a side project and when the curtain came down on “Jersey Boys,” Under the Streetlamp became their full-time gig.
Joined by Michael Cunio and Christopher Kale Jones, the four members of Under the Streetlamp take turns on lead vocals and contributing various harmony parts.
“We’re all different and we can all step forward and do our own thing,” Wiley said. “When we get together and work on songs, we know right away who’s going to front the tune. For us to shine individually, we all have to work together.”
He said his favorite part of the program is singing backup and watching his band mates take the lead.
Wiley is excited that the show is coming to Toledo, close to his hometown and a city where he performed in numerous theater shows as a high school student.
“We want people to see what we’ve been doing for the last four years,” he said. “Our fans really love this music and we like to consider the show a party. We’re throwing a big party and inviting everybody to come.”
Under the Streetlamp will perform at the Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 10. Opening is Gentleman’s Rule. Tickets are $64 to $206. Information: 419-381-8851 or stranahantheater.org.
