Shirley Truland sings Christina Perri’s ‘A Thousand Years’ D.B.Hathaway

Diva: Singing in the Shower came to the RFA Lakeside Theater for the evenings of August 8-9 and 11-12, with 19 performers taking to the stage to perform some diva-riffic songs for lively, appreciative audiences.

The set’s concept for Singing in the Shower was conceived by Shirley Truland, which was then built upon one idea at a time, and what cute and funny ideas they were. The set was simple. At center stage sat an elevated tub and shower behind which hung an ever-changing shower curtain. A different bather, either pulled from the audience or a shrouded Diva, would appear in the tub between acts to introduce the next entertainer. All appeared in some form of undress, wearing towels, bathrobes and shower caps, with some showing more skin than others, but all shared a funny repartee. Amusing what can be done with rubber duckies, champagne bottles and loofahs.

Angelica (Angie) Woodward sings Amy Winehouse’s ‘Back to Black’ D.B.Hathaway

Diva has been a fun addition to the RFA lineup for 17 years. It was started by a bunch of bawdy broads and originally showcased at the old Club House, up at Saddleback, and in the Rangeley Inn, before settling at the Lakeside Theater. This year, a wide array of music and talent filled the evening with moves and grooves to the beats of the band, from the likes of Judy Garland (Brittany Wetherill) singing the upbeat “Trolley Song” to Amy Winehouse (Angie Woodward) performing her hypnotic “Back to Black.”

Sue Downes-Borko performs Elton John’s ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’ D.B.Hathaway

I’m convinced the main reason most of these performers like doing Diva is because they get to wear wigs and faux haute couture. It sure does put some pizazz in the proceedings. When Sue Downes-Borko walked to the piano as Elton John one felt as though they were actually in Philadelphia, in 1978, with Elton’s signature spangly glasses glittering, his short, red hair framing his cherubic face, and those lit, high-soled shoes flashing with each step. Hello, yellow brick road.

Erin Smith sings Heart’s ‘Crazy on You’. D.B.Hathaway

Erin Smith has been directing Diva through most of its theme-shifting iterations. This year she also got to sing two (three, really) powerful songs, Melissa Etheridge’s “Come to My Window” and Heart’s “Crazy on You.” She went all-in Diva when she pulled out a show-stopping rendition of Ann Wilson’s “Alone” only for the final night. Erin always knows how to get the people up out of their seats to sing and clap along like it’s a concert in a 50,000-seat arena.

Dancers added some of that old-fashioned Vegas flash to a few numbers, and backup singers layered their harmonies and melodies over the main vocals like pearls and mink over Versace dresses.

Jess White sings Janis Joplin’s ‘Me and Bobby McGee’ D.B.Hathaway

Multi-year veterans made their annual pilgrimage to Diva Land: Adrian Heatley, Pam Morse, Marie Bower (after a short absence), Noah Bonnell (for two nights only), Debby Higgins (with her new Tony Bennett, Grant Hicks), Brittany Wetherill, Kaitlyn Hammon, Eric White, and Angelica Woodward. Two-timers were Shirley Truland and Hanna Pitkin, and first-timers were Kayla Brewer, Lenore Katz, Ana Orazi, Jerry Perron, and Jess White. The pictures speak for themselves. The show will soon be posted to the Rangeley Friends of the Arts’ YouTube page for those who missed it live and those who want to see it again.

Thank you, Divas, for your commitment to going over the top and reminding us how much fun can be had when letting loose. “Singing in the Shower” was nothing but good, clean fun.