Kathy Worrell
HSUMC
Special to The Tidewater News

FRANKLIN
“1, 2, 3 o’clock, 4 o’clock ROCK!” That’s how the evening’s entertainment began last week, as the High Street United Methodist Church Choir presented an Evening of 50’s and 60’s Music.

Billed as “Dinner and a Song,” the May 2 show was the fourth annual dinner theater event put on by the group. The choir does it all…cooks, serves, dances, sing, and even cleans up as well! This year’s show sold out and had a waiting list.

The setting for the performance was a 50s diner aptly titled THE DIVINE DINER. The fellowship hall was decorated in diner-style, which served the “Blue Plate Special” — salad, meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls, snaps and, of course, lots of various desserts. Special thanks to the head cook, Jeff Brown, and also to the church’s youth fellowship, who were waiters and waitresses.

The group was costumed for the occasion in poodle skirts — sewn by Kaye Story, saddle oxfords, jeans and “Divine Diner” T-shirts.

Songs selections varied from duets, quartets, solos, men, women and full-choir numbers. The men performed “My Girl,” with Mike Ponder singing the lead vocal part. The women performed “Going to the Chapel” complete with a mock wedding.

Choir director Mike Pollard emceed the show as well as accompanied the ensembles.

A crowd-pleaser was an elderly Elvis Presley, aka Jeff Joyner, who performed a medley of songs and did some of Elvis’ signature moves.

Closing out the show, the choir came together to sing a prayer that we all have… “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”

The choir is already making plans for next year’s fifth annual Dinner and a Song. If you missed it this year, you missed a fun evening of delicious food and entertainment!

High Street United Methodist Church is located at 31164 Camp Parkway. Worship services are each Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11 o’clock. Visitors are always welcome.