Teen Selected to Perform In Rock ‘N’ Roll Tribute Show
By Francine Fulton
When Justine DiClemente was performing on stage as Kim McAffee in Twin Valley High School’s recent production of “Bye Bye Birdie,” she had no idea there was a person in the audience who would enjoy her singing talents so much that he would offer her a role in an upcoming musical production.
DiClemente, the daughter of Margie and Gene DiClemente of Honey Brook and a sophomore at Twin Valley High School (TVHS), was selected by Stu Frederick of the Rivers Rockabilly Trio to appear in “Rockabilly Days” at the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville. The performance will take place on Saturday, May 31, at 8 p.m.
According to Frederick, Justine will play the role of Janis Martin, a young singer from the mid-1950s who became known as the "Female Elvis."
“At 16 years of age, Justine is the same age Janis Martin was at the peak of her success,” Frederick noted. “Justine has a terrific singing voice and stage presence, which makes her an ideal choice for our tribute to Janis Martin. I also found out that Justine is a multi-talented musician who we believe will bring some surprises to the Colonial stage in the context of the show.”
Justine said she was surprised and honored to be selected to sing during the upcoming event.
“I didn’t know he (Frederick) was there (to see ‘Bye Bye Birdie’). He actually called me and told me I did a good job, and he asked me if I would be interested in singing with them,” Justine said. “I wasn’t expecting it at all.”
During the upcoming concert, Justine will perform Martin’s “My Boy Elvis” and accompany the band on other musical numbers.
“He (Frederick) gave me the song on CD so I can learn from it, and then we will start practicing,” Justine said, noting she is unfamiliar with Janis Martin.
Frederick, who is also a guitar teacher, said he had been looking for young talent to incorporate in the show and just happened upon the performance at TVHS.
“I happened to go to the show at Twin Valley. I was a substitute teacher at Twin Valley, and I have guitar students from that area,” he said. “When I went to see the show, there were several standout performers like the Guy brothers. Then, I heard Justine sing, and she just has a wonderful voice, and I liked her stage presence a lot.”
In addition to singing, Justine is member of the TVHS chorus, plays saxophone in the school jazz band, and plays cello in the school orchestra. She is also a member of the soccer and cross country teams at TVHS.
“The thing about Justine is that she is multi-talented,” Frederick said. “I am very excited that she plays the saxophone and she plays a little guitar.”
Rockabilly Days debuted at the Colonial Theatre during the summer of 2006. Rockabilly, Frederick explained, is the name given to the American musical style that was the first type of rock 'n' roll to achieve national success. In addition to Janis Martin, the show will include concert tributes to many hitmakers from the 1950s, including local star Bill Haley, Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran, Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley and others.
“Janis Martin was one of the few women to achieve success in the male-dominated field of performers,” Frederick said. “She was a child performer who came into her own in 1956, mentored by the great Chet Atkins. She was allowed the title ‘The Female Elvis’ with the blessing of Elvis' manager, Colonel Tom Parker. Her most well-known song was ‘My Boy Elvis,’ which she performed on NBC's ‘Today Show,’ then hosted by Dave Garroway.
“Martin left show business after three years but returned to it in the early 1980s when she was re-discovered,” Frederick continued. “European fans of her early recordings flocked to see her. Last year, after a long battle with cancer, Janis Martin passed away at age 68.”
Justine, who plans a career in music, said she is looking forward to her upcoming role in the show.
“I definitely want to do something with music, like maybe (become) a singer or perform on Broadway,” she said, adding that being featured on stage at the Colonial Theatre will be a good place to start.
The Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville is owned and operated by the Association for the Colonial Theatre (ACT). The mission statement of the nonprofit organization is “to enhance the collective well-being of our region by restoring the landmark Colonial Theatre and promoting cultural, economic and civic life.” To that end, ACT presents film, live theater, music, dance and other community events at the theatre, located at 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville.
Tickets are currently available for Rockabilly Days. Tickets purchased in advance are discounted. Tickets will also be available on the day of the show. For tickets and further information, interested readers may visit www.TheColonialTheatre.com or www.TheRiversOnline.com.
CAPTION:
Twin Valley High School (TVHS) sophomore Justine DiClemente of Honey Book will appear in "Rockabilly Days: A Tribute to the Very First Hits of Rock ’n’ Roll" with the Rivers Rockabilly Trio at the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville on Saturday, May 31, at 8 p.m. DiClemente was chosen to perform at the event after the leader of The Rivers Trio “discovered” her during her performance of “Bye Bye Birdie” at TVHS.
MCC front/pic
TCC inside/pic
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Twin Valley Sophomore