Doc Rainbow’s Colorful All-Star Revue Launches Third Tour

Through the magical medium of musical theatre, a dozen Huntington College students will transform nearly 50 churches and camps into "Moosewood Lodge and Canoe Rental" this summer. Doc Rainbow's Colorful All-Star Revue will present a fast-paced, fun-filled program for the entire family during their third annual tour.

"This is not your everyday song and dance," says Dr. Don Rainbow, professor of theatre at Huntington College in Huntington, Indiana. "Doc" Rainbow's original show features sparkling comedy, jubilant dance, and musical numbers ranging from Broadway hits to Gospel favorites. The energetic cast artfully weaves sketches and song into a delightful evening's entertainment.

The All-Star Revue is in its third season, having performed before combined audiences of 25,000 in 100 locations during the last two years. This season they return to venues in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin. The troupe will then continue on to perform in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maine and Ontario.

The 1996 troupe features veterans of previous tours and some new faces as well. By casting some of his most talented students in the All-Star Revue, Rainbow has created a traveling show that is guaranteed to exceed expectations.

This season, the theme is "The Great North Woods." Set deep in the forests of Minnesota, the vignettes and sketches will feature the interesting and odd characters of Moosewood Lodge and Canoe Rental. Audiences will be whisked away to a land of conniving wolves and over-anxious trail guides. They will follow the cast along a path that is well-lit, but narrow and less-traveled.

"When I was growing up in Minnesota back in the 1950's, every vacation that my family ever took was 'up north,'" said director Dr. Don Rainbow. "The memories are as clear as if it were yesterday - up at 5 a.m. to go fishing, hiking through dense forests, visiting Paul Bunyanland, sitting out on the dock and gazing into the star-studded night skies. Now, being several years removed from my last vacation 'up north,' I figured that this summer it was time to return to my childhood vacation spot by way of the All-Stars. We take you into the great north woods for some catchy tunes, hearty laughs and important insights from God's word."

Syndicated columnist Cal Thomas attended a Grand Rapids performance in 1994. He called the All-Stars "one of the most refreshing and profound outreach efforts I have seen in recent years."

"I especially appreciated the level of real talent I saw in the show," Thomas continued. "Many people think they can sing and act, but can't. Those who stand in front of others, especially unbelievers, ought to have something worth listening to and worth watching. I was delightfully surprised and wonderfully blessed by these students."

"Doc Rainbow's Colorful All-Star Revue delivers what they advertise -- a fast-paced, high-energy celebration of the Christian faith," says Rev. Kevin Cherry of Sunfield United Brethren Church in Michigan. "What they don't advertise they also deliver -- glimpses of their personal faith, warmth and sincerity. Such variety in a program! There is something for everyone."

The All-Star Revue was created by "Doc" Rainbow, a veteran of traveling theatre. He has toured with similar shows for ten years, including three tours through Europe and a USO sponsored tour of the Mediterranean. Rainbow earned his BA, MA, and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. His career has included over twenty years in education, theatre, and ministry. Rainbow's experience and creativity always bring capacity audiences to his home theatre, the Merillat Centre for the Arts on the campus of Huntington College.

The All-Star tour is managed by Troy Clark, a 1992 graduate of Huntington College who now serves the school as an admissions counselor. No stranger to the mainstage footlights, Clark has appeared at the Wagon Wheel Theatre in Indiana and the Hope Summer Repertory Theatre and the Croswell Opera House, both in Michigan.

The annual tour of the All-Star Revue has become a celebrated feature of Huntington College's theatre arts department. Theatre is one of nearly 50 academic concentrations available from the four-year Christian liberal arts school. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington College is located in Huntington, Indiana.

The following is a list of the cast members:

Shaana Averill is a Huntington College senior from Adrian, Michigan. She is pursuing a double major in theatre and philosophy, which she wryly describes as the "two most unemployable majors on earth." She plans to pursue graduate studies in the fine arts and ultimately teach at the college level. Averill has previously been seen in Huntington College Theatre productions of The Crucible, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Importance of Being Earnest, No Exit and Godspell.

Andy Brandon is a junior music major from Fremont, Ohio. Those who saw the All-Star Revue last season will remember the udderly ridiculous cow costume he wore. A multitalented performer, Brandon is accomplished in voice, piano, trumpet, and other instruments. He aspires to become a music teacher.

Kelly Colwell is a sophomore psychology major from Kingston, Michigan. She enjoys painting, drawing, and performing with the Christian alternative band, Lucid, which she helped to form at Huntington College.

Jami Cotton is a sophomore graphic arts major from Huntington, Indiana. Cotton has previously been seen in Huntington College Theatre's production of Godspell. She enjoys drawing, ceramics, and other artistic outlets. Cotton participates in Huntington College's track team as a high jumper. She plans to pursue a career in computer animation.

Jason Holliday graduated in May with a degree in educational ministries. He hails from Northwood, Ohio. Holliday has previously been seen in Huntington College Theatre productions of Forever Plaid and Godspell. When not on tour with the All-Stars, he sings in a gospel quartet with other Huntington College students. After completing his tour with the All-Stars, he plans to pursue opportunities in music ministry.

Brandi Johnson is a junior communications major from Botkins, Ohio. Johnson has previously been seen in Huntington College Theatre productions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Godspell. She is a veteran of the 1994 and 1995 All-Star tours.

Scott Miller is a senior business major from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Miller has previously been seen in Huntington College Theatre productions of Forever Plaid and Godspell. He enjoys sports, music, and martial arts. When not on tour with the All-Stars, he sings in a gospel quartet with other Huntington College students.

David O'Roark is a junior theatre major from Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. O'Roark has previously been seen in Huntington College Theatre productions of The Crucible, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Rainmaker, The Importance of Being Earnest, and Godspell. This is second tour with the All-Star Revue.

Sam Ward is a senior theatre major from Darlington, Pennsylvania. Ward has previously been seen in Huntington College Theatre productions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Crucible, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, White Lies, The Importance of Being Earnest, and Godspell. He is a veteran of the 1994 and 1995 All-Star tours. Ward claims to love eating spinach, chopping wood, and wearing wool - qualities which well prepare him for the Northwoods set of this season's All-Star tour.

Matt Webb is a junior theatre major from Huntington, Indiana. Webb has previously been seen in Huntington College Theatre productions of The Crucible, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and The Rainmaker. This is his second season with the All-Star Revue. Webb recently participated in a college volunteer mission to Haiti, following which he and other students brought a Haitian orphan to the United States for life-saving surgery.

Ross Wheeler is a junior theatre major from Ottawa, Illinois. Wheeler has previously performed in Huntington College Theatre productions of Godspell, Forever Plaid, and The Crucible. This is his second season with the All-Star Revue. When not on tour with the All-Stars, Wheeler sings in a gospel quartet with other Huntington College students.