Nancy Taylor: Greene Publishing, Inc.
On Friday, Sept. 1, The Main Street Playhouse hosted a concert performed by native southerners, Christian Schmoe and Drew Ladd. Schmoe and Ladd are both classically trained vocalists who met while performing with opera groups in Chicago.
The evening was nothing short of delightfully entertaining as these gentlemen brought their classically trained voices to the performance of southern songs and songs that spanned the history of America. Their selections included early American hymns and folk songs, several pieces by Aaron Copland and Stephen Foster, “American Art songs,” songs from the World War II Era, and (of course) selections from Broadway. Some of the more well-known pieces the two selected for the evening were “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” “Shenandoah,” “On the Street Where You Live,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “Edelweiss.”
A personal favorite of the evening was “Don’t Sit under the Apple Tree”, not so much for the song but for the reason it was included in the show. Prior to their singing of that song, Ladd came to the front of the stage and dedicated it to his grandparents, Larry and Marsha Ladd, who were celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary. Of course, his comments and introduction of them brought a round of applause and a chorus of “oohs” and “ahhs.”
Based on his bio, Christian Schmoe was born and raised in Savannah, Ga., the city where his love for music began. He moved to New Orleans to study music. While there, he performed frequently with the New Orleans Opera Chorus and at various venues around the city. From New Orleans, he traveled to Chicago to continue his studies. While living in Chicago, he performed in several locations around the city and toured Illinois with the Chicago Opera House. Following his time in Chicago, he moved to New York City for a few years before returning to the South.
His deep love for farming, which he learned from his grandparents who farmed in Brooks and Jefferson Counties, served as the impetus to draw him back to the South.
Drew Ladd also has southern roots, having been born in Arkansas. He first discovered his love for music while playing in the school band and choir. He completed his graduate studies in Chicago; and, according to his bio, has several operatic credits “under his belt,” including performances with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Opera Theater and Sugar Creek Opera (also in Illinois). He has performed across the nation – all the way from Los Angeles, Ca. to Madison, Fl.
Schmoe and Ladd are currently living in Greenville where they are working with Schmoe’s family in the management of the family farming business.
According to The Main Street Theater’s owner, Jessica Brawner Webb, part of the proceeds from the show were donated to the American Patriot Outfitters, a local group dedicated to providing all veterans free outdoor recreational opportunities.
The Main Street Playhouse is located at 172 SW Range Ave., Madison.