Behind the scenes with the cast of Woody Sez

Posted on 5 Feb 2010 by Justin Ruckman

video: Matthew Tyndall & Justin Ruckman; watch this in HD on YouTube

We got a chance last week to sneak in for a rehearsal of Woody Sez, a tribute show to legendary folk singer and activist Woody Guthrie. Woody Sez is playing at the Booth Playhouse this week through February 21.

I can honestly say that as a child of the 80s, born nearly 20 years after Woody Guthrie’s death in 1967, I would probably never have made it to see this show on my own. But after watching this group of four casually rehearse for barely 45 minutes, I was hooked. All able performers as individuals, it was a pleasure to hear them reworking old Guthrie tunes in harmony.

Especially cool are the “hootenannies” they throw each Sunday after a show, in whatever city they’re playing in, where they invite local musicians to come hang out, drink beer (beer as in free), and play music. This will be going down here around 4:30ish after their Sunday performances through the 21^st, and like the beer, is free of charge.

Head over to Blumenthal’s website for more info and to purchase tickets.