by Neil W. McCabe

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced April 19 the city was bringing back the Sunsetters, a local street performance group that put on shows throughout the city’s neighborhoods in 1970s through the mid-1980s.   

“For many of us who grew up here in Somerville, the Sunsetters were real hometown heroes,” said Curtatone.

The mayor said, “There was a certain excitement in the air when they performed on your block, no matter who – or how old – you were. We’re really looking forward to bringing that spirit back.”

Kenny Lonergan, who founded the Sunsetters with the support of former Mayor S. Lester Ralph in 1974, has agreed to help restart the program, which will hold tryouts May 3, 4, and 5.

The Sunsetters were a traveling group of young aspiring performers who put on toured neighborhoods, singing show tunes and performing dance routines, he said.

Residents could request a performance in their neighborhood by calling the mayor’s office, he said.

“Kids and adults would anticipated their annual Sunsetters visit,” said Curtatone. 

“It was great for the neighborhood and great for the kids who participated.  It kept them out of trouble and doing something positive for themselves and their community.”

Curtatone said he was bringing the group back as part of both his overall effort to restore community traditions and his campaign to give teenagers constructive activities in which to channel their energies and talents. 

“We’re expanding the summer jobs program and creating new youth activities this summer,” the mayor said.

“We’re determined to give our kids alternatives to drugs, gangs, and the other problems they encounter on the street.”

Curtatone said Lonergan would be mentoring John Pirroni, an Somerville High School graduate with experience in both the arts and in youth work, in the first few months.  Pieroni will take over as director in the early summer.

Tryouts for the Sunsetters will be held at the West Somerville Neighborhood School gym and are open to all Somerville youth between 12 and 18.  Lonergan and Pirroni expect to accept about 35 young people for the group, he said.

“Needless to say, times have changed since we were kids,” Lonergan said. 

“Many kids today don’t know the great show tunes we performed in the 70’s and 80’s.  We’ll incorporate the music of this generation but will give them a dose of the classics, too,” he said.

Lonergan said those who plan to tryout should be prepared to sing several lines of song. Girls will be asked to sing a line or two from “42nd Street,” while boys will be asked to do the same for “Lullaby on Broadway.”

In addition, kids will be asked to perform several short dance routines, he said.

Once the audition period has concluded, rehearsals will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m, Monday through Thursday beginning May 10, and continue until the first scheduled performance at the city’s second annual fireworks display on June 30 at Trum Field, he said.

Performances will take place Monday through Thursday evenings of the summer until Sept. 1.

“The Sunsetters involves a serious time commitment on the part of both kids and parents but it is truly hard work that pays off,” said Lonergan.

“The sense of pride and exhilaration that these kids feel after a after a performance is priceless. It is a great, rewarding way to spend a summer,” he said.

More information about the Sunsetters and the upcoming auditions, is available at the (617) 625-6600, ext. 2100, or the city’s Web site: www.ci.somerville.ma.us.