'It's Only Life' at ReCreate Cafe - Jan. 31-Feb. 1

Thursday, January 30, 2014

photo Rudy Foster, Jonathan Goff, Beth McClary, Jesse Rademacher and Elizabeth Spivey, from left, star in the musical revue "It's Only Life" this weekend at The Salvation Army's ReCreate Cafe.

IF YOU GO* What: "It's Only Life."* When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 31-Feb. 1.* Where: The Salvation Army's ReCreate Cafe, 800 McCallie Ave.* Admission: $10 adults, $7 students and seniors (tickets available at the door and online).* Phone: 423-305-6208.* Website: iolchattanooga.brownpapertickets.com.

The Salvation Army's ReCreate Cafe has partnered with a local group of performers to host the regional premiere of the award-winning musical revue "It's Only Life" in two performances this weekend.

Debuting in 2006, "It's Only Life" is based on the works of composer and lyricist John Bucchino. In addition to the title song, its most popular numbers include "That Smile" and "Grateful." The show touches on themes of yearning, fulfillment, heartbreak and healing.

"John Bucchino is one of the few artists who can capture the human spirit with profound insight and beauty," says director Jonathan Goff. "'It's Only Life' will strike many Chattanooga theatergoers as unique because it is forward-looking and refreshingly authentic."

Goff and musical director Rudy Foster are also a part of the five-member cast, along with music theater veterans Beth McClary, Jesse Rademacher and Elizabeth Spivey. Tenika Dye, the ReCreate Café's artistic director, serves as the show's producer and assistant director. The production team also includes choreographer Kimberly Skoda, stage manager Phillip Hartsuiker and pianist Curtis Jolley.

According to Dye, the ReCreate Cafe Arts Program has two focuses: to provide the homeless population of Chattanooga with creative and artistic opportunities for entertainment or self-expression and to provide an affordable venue for area artists to perform.