Warren Gerds column: 'Elvis and Reba' share awesome moments, beautiful music in sell-out shows

By Warren Gerds • wgerds@greenbaypressgazette.com • December 7, 2009

Through make-believe, Elvis Presley and Reba McEntire share the stage in the new Let Me Be Frank Productions show that played to two sell-out houses Sunday in Fort Howard Hall of the Weidner Center.

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The world has many Elvis imitators. Green Bay's contingent is led by Frank Hermans, who does assorted takes on The King in Let Me Be Frank Productions' mainstage shows.

Reba imitators are few. Green Bay has a beauty in Amy Riemer. She puts on a wig, puts on the oh-so-nice Reba demeanor and pours out the Reba voice that ranges from crystal clear to sweet, smooth honey — and with a light Oklahoma accent.

How do Elvis and Reba happen to team? Well, they just do. They put on a show sharing the stage with Scotty (Heath Hermans, Frank Hermans' brother), who plays recorded soundtracks, feigns a chip on his shoulder and tosses Grinch-like zingers Elvis' way, like this:

Commenting on Reba's first outfit, the hefty Elvis says, "The last time I wore white…" Scotty chimes in with, "You were hit by the Titanic."

Through song, Elvis and Reba try to cheer up Scotty.

Elvis dons three outfits. The first features a gold lame jacket and black slacks with silver clasps up and down the out seam. The second is Hermans' baby blue jumpsuit from past shows. The third is a new fire-engine red jumpsuit festooned with gold stuff.

Hermans springs into exaggerated hand gestures as he plays Elvis mostly in caricature. He's best as Elvis at his most sincere in two message songs, "Holly Leaves and Christmas Trees" and "If I Get Home on Christmas Day."

Dressed in a red gown in the second half, Riemer offers an awesome version of "O Holy Night."

Riemer was last summer's winner in the "Bayfest's Got Talent" competition. This production shows her in a new dimension — singing and acting in character as a known person through an entire show.

As Reba, Riemer sings popular songs and carols that people love to hear again if sung especially beautifully, as in this case.

Musical review

Let Me Be Frank Productions: "An Elvis and Reba Christmas": 6:30 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. show Wednesday at North Brook Country Club, Luxemburg. $35. (920) 845-2306. Also, 12:30 p.m. lunch, 2 p.m. show and 6:30 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. show Thursday at Radisson Inn and Conference Center, 2040 Airport Drive, Ashwaubenon. (920) 494-7300. Also, 6 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. show Sunday at The Alaskan Supper Club, 6084 Wisconsin 42, Kewaunee. $45. (920) 388-4970. Running time: 90 minutes.
3½ stars (out of 4)

Warren Gerds column: Frank's decks the halls for 11th Christmas show

By Warren Gerds • wgerds@greenbaypressgazette.com • November 15, 2009

Let Me Be Frank Productions is headed to New York City. OK, not really.

But this year's "A Frank's Christmas" is set there at RCA Studios on Christmas Eve.

"Two hot groups, The Adequates and The Three Seasons, have won a chance to record a new Christmas album for Macy's," said Frank Hermans, troupe namesake and co-writer. "This is the same studio where Bing Crosby and Elvis recorded their now-famous Christmas albums."

At least for the show's story.

"The famous Mutt Mixalot is there to record this monumental album," Hermans said. "The kids are overzealous at the opportunity and are a little freaked out about the rumors that the ghosts of Bing and Elvis roam the halls on Christmas."

This is the 11th Christmas show for the troupe.

Backdrops include a scene of Central Park in winter. That's atmosphere for such songs as "White Christmas" (Crosby's song), "Blue Christmas" (Presley's), "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," "Sleigh Ride," "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and others. Two are originals: "Peace" and "This is Christmas."

"I've always wanted to write Christmas songs, and I wrote them a couple of months ago," Hermans said. "We worked them into the show.

"Amy Riemer (vocal coach and performer) did the background vocals, and Dennis Panneck (guitarist) and Pat Hibbard (bassist, co-writer and performer) worked with the songs. It was quite fun."

Also in the cast are Lisa Andre, Maggie McGinn Paul Evansen and Tom Verbrick. Also in the band are Heath Hermans, drums, and Tony Pilz, keyboards.

"A Frank's Christmas" also will be presented Dec. 11-12 at the Four Seasons Resort in Pembine. Information about those performances is at (715) 324-5244.

Warren Gerds column: Review: New songs help make 'Frank's Christmas' colorful

By Warren Gerds • wgerds@greenbaypressgazette.com • November 22, 2009

Christmas show No. 11 for Let Me Be Frank Productions finds the free-wheeling troupe again exploring mostly contemporary stars' takes on the season to avoid a same old, same old feel. In a first, two new songs are blended in.

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The going is bumpy around dialogue and hit-or-miss jokes, but when it comes to music, "A Frank's Christmas" rolls through colorful songs one after another with the stage pumped up by light shows.

The band — Heath Hermans, drums; Dennis Panneck, guitar; Pat Hibbard, bass (co-writer and rock- song singing specialist); and Tony Pilz, keyboard (and Mr. Orchestra in this show) — delivers a big one-two punch in the second half. First, it supports singer Paul Evansen in the thoughtful, "They Said There'd Be Snow at Christmas." Next comes a rock-muscular instrumental take on "The Nutcracker Suite" that energizes Sergei Tchaikovsky's music.

The story in the show turns on two singing groups coming to New York to record for Macy's Christmas album. The Three Seasons are three nerdy guys from Goodman — Frank Hermans, Evansen and Hibbard. The Adequates are three 19-year-olds (the script says) from the South — Lisa Andre, Maggie McGinn and Amy Riemer.

Visits by the ghosts of Bing Crosby and Elvis Presley add a cosmic element.

Tom Verbrick plays Crosby as well as the Teutonic Macy's owner and hippie-ish record producer.

Frank Hermans plays Presley and is featured singing and playing guitar on the two new songs he wrote and the rest of the troupe enhanced. Both are solid and, of course, tailor-made to fit Hermans' ranging voice. The anthem-size "This is Christmas" closes the show. "Peace" includes a clever vocal shift that infuses interest.

Riemer (the vocal coach), McGinn and Andre impress. Riemer is brilliant in such solos as "I Miss You Most at Christmas." McGinn and Andre delivered a double-barreled "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree." The three team in splendid harmony in a calypso-style in the song that opens, "Hark now herald angels sing."

Again, Frank's offers a hefty Christmas package.

Musical review

Let Me Be Frank Productions: "A Frank's Christmas": 8 p.m. Nov. 27-28, Dec. 1-4, 14-23, 1 p.m. Dec. 3, 17, 19 at Meyer Theatre, 117 S. Washington St., Green Bay. Running time: 2 hours, 5 minutes. $35. www.ticketstaronline.com, (920) 494-3401, (800) 895-0071. 3½ out of 4 stars

10/29

Happy Holidays!

Let Me Be Frank Productions is all geared up for the holidays with their brand new show “A Franks Christmas”.  Come to the ....Meyer.. ..Theater.... and see what has become a tradition in N. E. Wisconsin for the past ten years.  This will be our eleventh all new Christmas show!  Here is the story:  Two teen groups have won the chance to record at RCA studios in ....New York City.... for the Macy’s Christmas Album.  This is the same studio were Elvis and Bing Crosby recorded their famous Christmas albums.  The “Adequates” and the “Three Seasons” are all ready to record on Christmas Eve, but guess what…the airport is closed and they are stuck over night on Christmas.  Let the shenanigans begin!  Great Christmas songs, great harmonies, and great family fun - this one is for the whole family!

“A Frank’s Christmas” opens with a benefit for Cerebral Palsy on Friday, November 20^th.  $10 of every ticket goes right to CP.  The show then runs Sat. Nov 21, Friday Nov. 27, and Sat. Nov 28.  Dec. 1-4^th and Dec. 14^th-23^rd.   All shows are at ..8pm.., with special matinees at ..1pm.. on Thursday Dec. 3^rd, Thursday Dec. 17^th and Sat. December 19^th.  There are only 20 great dates to see “A Franks Christmas.  So call Ticketstar for tickets at ..920-494-3401...

“A Frank’s Christmas will be making our final stop at Frank’s Northwoods Theater Friday, Dec. 11^th and Saturday, Dec. 12^th at the Four Seasons Resort.   Call ..715-324-5244.. for reservations.

It’s also time for 2010 Season Tickets and gift certificates for Christmas.  For Season Tickets call Leah at ..920-405-1141...  Buy Season Tickets and get six shows for the price of five!    For gift certificates call Ticket Star at ..920-4943..401.  Here is the lineup for 2010:

*Feb 12-March 5^th  “Summer of 69”

*April 9^th- May 1^st  “C is for Country”

*June 4^th- June 19^th  “Frank Stock 2”

*July 23^rd – August 21^st  “The ....Carlton.... West”

*Sept. 24^th – Oct 16^th  “Beer & Wings”

*Nov. 19^th – Dec. 23^rd  “A Frank’s Christmas”

Can’t get enough of Frank?  Check out Frank and Amy’s new Christmas show at these locations.

“An Elvis and Reba Christmas”

Sunday December 6^{th -} ....Weidner.. ..Center....:

                Matinee ..2pm.., lunch at ..12:30...  Dinner and show- $38.  Show only -$20.   

Evening show ..7:30pm.., dinner at ..6pm...   Dinner and show- $38. Show only- $20 

Tickets: ..920.465.2217.. or ....800.328.TKTS..
University
www.uwgb.edu/tickets/

Wednesday, December 9^th  ..Northbrook.. Country Club. For reservations ..920-845-2306..

                ..8pm.. Show ..6:30.. dinner at ..6:30..

Thursday, December 10^th.  ....Radisson.. ..Inn.. ..Airport.....  For reservations call ..494-7300..

                Matinee ..2pm.. lunch at ..12:30..

                Evening ..8pm.. dinner at ..6:30..

Don’t forget New Year’s Eve with Let Me Be Frank Productions.  It’s our annual Encore show at the ....Meyer.. ..Theater.....  See the best songs from all the 2009 shows!  Only $100 per couple or $55 per person.  The night includes:

                *Party Favors

                *Hors d ‘oeuvres

                *Three hour show

                *Champagne toast at ....Midnight..

If you can’t make it New Year’s Eve, join us for our Encore show Friday, Jan. 7^th and Sat. Jan. 8^th.

See you at the show!

Frank

Pilz, Michael "Oskar”

............................................................................

Michael "Oskar" Pilz, 44, died unexpectedly at his Ashwaubenon home on ..Friday, ..Oct. 16, 2009..... Michael was born ....May 12, 19..65.., to Joseph and Lynn (Vander Leest) Pilz. He graduated from ....Ashwaubenon.. ..High School..... Shortly after graduation until present, he owned his own lighting company, Midnyte Lighting. He most recently also worked for Tech 4 in De Pere.

He enjoyed being a single daddy to Brittney and a proud grandpa to his new two-month-old granddaughter, Chloe. He loved helping people, taking trips, going up north, hunting and eating at Ma and Dad's. He is "the smartest man in the world," great man and true friend to many. He will be forever missed.

He is survived by his daughter, Brittney Pilz; granddaughter, Chloe Babiarz; parents, Joseph and Lynn Pilz; brother, Joseph Pilz; sister, Susan (....Troy....) Leanna, and their children, Alyssa Pilz (godchild), Malachi Leanna, and Kessler (godchild). He is also survived by Nicole Petrouske (godchild), David Babiarz (father of Chloe), uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Cletus and Marian Vander Leest; and paternal grandparents, Kenneth and Anne Pilz.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, ..Oct. 20, 2009.., at Lyndahl Funeral Home where a parish wake service will take place at ..7:30 pm... Visitation will continue 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, ..Oct. 21, 2009.., at Nativity of Our Lord Church, 2270 S. Oneida St., where the Mass of Christian burial will take place at 11:30 a.m. with the Rev. Benjamin Sember officiating.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Michael's name to help toward college education for Brittney and Chloe.

"Death ends a life, but it does not end a relationship, which struggles on in the survivor's mind towards some resolution which it may never find."

Lyndahl Funeral Services and Cremation Services                ..

Musical review: Voices light up Let Me Be Frank's 'Dr. Love'

By Warren Gerds • wgerds@greenbaypressgazette.com • September 27, 2009

 In the new "Dr. Love," created by Frank Hermans with

In the end — after a goofy story has been built, potty jokes played out, wacky characters set free, ad libs cleared out and songs.. ..set up with a phrase — a Let Me Be Frank Productions show is a matter of just sitting back and soaking in splendid sounds of the singers and live band.

The story is set in the office of psychiatric partners (Hermans and Lisa Andre), who are treating patients (Amy Riemer, Julio Reyes and Heath Hermans) who have love afflictions. Meantime, the "help" (Hibbard and Tom Verbrick as rumpled janitors and Emily Paulsen as the wisecracking receptionist) find plentiful antics of their own.

Riemer supplies a great character, a split personality. One second, she's sweet and shy Amy, the next second she's the naughty, sensually explosive Amy Joe. Both sing "Loving You," the beautiful Minnie Ripperton song with the suddenly soaring phrase that ignites the air.

In voice, Riemer electrifies all over the place and especially in "Everlasting Love" and "I am a Woman in Love."

Frank Hermans messed up a bit on opening night Friday, but his English-accented Dr. Love character is fun and there's no mistaking what Hermans can do in song. Because of all the love songs in this show, he mostly displays his lyrical side, as in "Love is in the Air" and "I'd Really Love to See You Tonight."

Hibbard supplies rock spunk in "Love Stinks" and "Who Loves You Pretty Baby."

Heath Hermans gets gritty on drums and vocals in "Dr. Love," which lets him stretch.

Emily Paulsen delivers as the no-nonsense Miss Cellaneous and in big voice in such songs as "Love will Keep Us Together" and "Just Fall in Love Again."

Andre packs vocal punch and fills "I Honestly Love You" with emotion. She also teams excellently with newcomer Reyes in "Where is the Love."..

Reyes plays a little sax, sings a little scat and adds fresh energy in singing style.. ..and a few dance moves in "Keep It Coming Love."

Verbrick is Hibbard's comedic foil, especially in "Let Your Love Flow." Verbrick gets into sight gags with a prop toilet, including a kind of lip-synching with the seat as Hibbard sings.

Musical review

Let Me Be Frank Productions: "Dr. Love": 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and Oct. 8-9, 15-17; 1 p.m. Wednesday and Oct. 15, 17; 7 p.m. Oct. 18 at Meyer Theatre, 117 S. Washington St., Green Bay. Running time: 2¼ hours. $32, except Oct. 18 benefit show for FFA ($25). www.ticketstaronline.com, (920) 494-3401, (800) 895-0071.
 **** (out of 4)

Let Me Be Frank's has a whole lotta 'Love' going on

The story on stage for Let Me Be Frank Productions’ new show opening Friday is about love, but there’s an offstage story, too.

Prior to a Music Theatre show this summer, Frank Hermans stopped at a De Pere restaurant for dinner. He chatted up the waiter.

“I commented to him that he had a resemblance to Jon Bon Jovi, and too bad he probably couldn’t sing,” Hermans said. “Well, he went into a jazz scat song and blew me away.”

The waiter, Julio Reyes of De Pere, is in the show, “Dr. Love,” as one of the key singer-dancers.

“He moved here from Spain years ago and had played in his dad’s salsa band since he was 9,” Hermans said. “He also is a terrific sax player, hence his music scholarship at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.”

Also new to the Meyer troupe in this show is Lisa Andre, a UWGB vocal performance and arts management graduate, who performed this summer in Let Me Be Frank’s Heidel House troupe. She has been in many performances locally, from Luxemburg-Casco High School through college.

The two will join performing co-writers Hermans and Pat Hibbard, singer-dancers Emily Paulsen, Amy Riemer and Tom Verbrick and the band: Heath Hermans, drums; Dennis Panneck, guitar; Tony Pilz, keyboards; and Eric Snyder, bass.
The onstage story is set in Northeastern Wisconsin with local references.

“The practice of Dr. Love and Dr. Wakio and Associates concentrates on problems of the heart,” Hermans said. “Dr. Love is currently treating Amy Joe and Heath of severe affairs of the heart, while Dr. Wakio is treating Julio for a case of butterflies.

“Emily, the receptionist, who really runs the place, keeps everyone in line, especially Pat and Tom, the caretakers of the facility.”

Turns out, the people giving the advice need the advice.

“Every song title has the word ‘love’ in it,” Hermans said.

Among them are “Dr. Love,” “How Deep is Your Love,” “Love Stinks,” “Let Your Love Flow,” “I Am a Woman in Love” and “Let My Love Open the Door.”

Do it

·  Who: Let Me Be Frank Productions

·  What: “Dr. Love”

·  When: 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday and Oct. 1-3, 8-9, 15-17; 1 p.m. Wednesday and Oct. 15, 17; 7 p.m. Oct. 18

·  Where: Meyer Theatre, 117 S. Washington St., Green Bay

·  Tickets: $32, except Oct. 18 benefit show for FFA ($25); www.ticketstaronline.com, (920) 494-3401 or (800) 895-0071

'Dr. Love' tickets benefit FFA

September 16, 2009

Show your love for the FFA alumni by attending a special performance by Let Me Be Frank Productions at the Meyer Theatre in Green Bay.

"Dr. Love" is a musical journey through the '60s and '70s featuring songs with the word "love" in them.

The charity performance is scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 18. Tickets are $25, with $10 from each ticket benefiting the 2010 State FFA Alumni Convention.

Tickets are available by calling Tammy Styczynski at (715) 758-8991 or e-mailing tammys@granitewave.com.

They can also be obtained at the Resch Center box office by calling (800) 895-0071 or visiting www.ticketstar online.com or www.meyer theatre.org.

— Press-Gazette