The golden era of soul is back this summer

The 1960s were a strange, wonderful time in North America – and the times, they were a-changin'. This summer, the Esquire Showbar Musical Revue will once more bring the passion and joy of the golden era of soul, rhythm and blues to local audiences.

Starting with a gala premiere (for which tickets are still available) June 18 and running through Labour Day weekend (at least; possible additions to the schedule could keep the show going until Sept. 15), The Esquire Showbar Musical Revue will tear the roof off the Corona Theatre in St. Henri for the next couple of months, the show's producer said.

"It's really a tribute to the mythical Esquire Showbar on Stanley (which closed in the early '70s), where all the top R&B and soul acts used to perform when they came to Montreal in those days," said Michel Gaumont, who is bringing the troupe back to the Corona for a third run after successful stints last summer and in January.

"It's where performers like Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles, among others, would perform when they were in Montreal And often, it was the reason they would extend their stay," he added.

The 17 singers and musicians that perform in the cabaret-style show are well-versed in the material and certain members of the cast actually performed at the Esquire.

Skipper Dean and Jimmy Dooley – former members of the doo-wop group the Avalons will perform, but they're not the only thing the show has going for it.

"They're the cherry on the sundae for sure, but we have some real talented people performing in this show, such as Sylvie Degroseillers and Michael Dozier," Gaumont said, adding audiences won't be disappointed with the show, which boasts 50 production numbers of crowd-pleasing hits from the late '50s, '60s and early '70s.

The last time the revue played the historic Corona Theatre in January, and Gaumont is counting on a similar positive reception this summer.

"The reaction was very good from critics, but it was very well-received by audiences. The performers would get standing ovations several times during the show, not just at the end," he said.

The Esquire Showbar Musical Revue will play the Corona Theatre, 2490 Notre Dame St. W, near Atwater, starting June 18. For more information or to order tickets, contact the theatre at 514-931-6724 or visit them online at www.theatrecorona.com