Home : Host Spot Light






				Host Spot Light

Show Tunes Exposes Theatre History

DJ 'Lectric Lar' hosted the first edition of "Show Tunes in the Afternoon" on February 14, 2005 at 3 P.M. and has been going strong every Monday since, on WSMU 91.1 FM. The show features music from Broadway and London musical theatre as well as music from the occasional movie.

Larry Houbre, AKA 'Lectric Lar', conceived the idea for the show during the summer of 2004, after a discussion with Frank Baptista, a member of WSMU. The station did not have any show like it, and the new genre was welcomed with open arms.

The show has been well accepted by the community. The station received kudos after the first few weeks, and the show still receives praise over a year later.

This past February 13, the 53rd show was broadcast, marking the one year anniversary of the program. The event was marked with an on-air celebration, including a drawing for a prize, and many congratulatory messages previously recorded by loyal fans and supporters.

When asked "Why show tunes?", the answer is filled with passion. "I've been involved with theatre, including musical theatre, since 1974, when I was in high school. I'm familiar with the music, and a lot of it is up-lifting, emotion provoking, and just plain fun. Some of the stories are simple and the moral in plain view, while others are more intricate."

"You never forget your first musical, whether you're in the audience, or in the cast. The first time the orchestra begins to play the overture a sense of awe arises in one's self. Now, when you hear a number from that musical, that sense of awe and wonder returns, transporting you back to a fond and fun memory. You find yourself lost in the enjoyment of the musical theme, and you either sit back and relax and enjoy it, or you get this feeling inside you that urges you to get up and join a singing and dancing chorus."

Larry has directed several musicals, as well as been involved with lighting and set construction. He directed "Godspell" for Star Players of Taunton, as well as "Fiddler On The Roof" for the UMass Dartmouth Theatre Company.

"Fiddler on the Roof was the first musical I ever saw or was involved with...and having the chance to direct it was an awesome thrill!"

Larry brings his passion to his radio show, interspersing tidbits and trivia about the shows from which he plays music.

"Playing music from the Broadway, Off-Broadway and Almost-Broadway productions exposes the listening audience not only to shows they may have already seen, but the ones they haven't seen or heard about. A listener might hear a number from "Spam-a-lot" and decide they just have to see that show! Adding the trivia and tidbits just fills in the blanks. Did you know that Godspell did not start out as a musical, or that it took eight years to put together The Music Man?"

"Another interesting aspect of playing music from the musicals, is the history of the music. The evolution of styles, from opera, to light opera, to what we consider to be the classic musical, to rock opera, and all the styles in between. I play them all, and it's interesting to notice how the styles slowly evolved, and the composers that dared to try something new and different at the time. All these different styles are out there and exposed for our listening pleasure."

The show also features interviews with local theatre groups. Larry's interview style draws out the secrets behind the scenes.

"When I'm interviewing a guest on the air, I get out the name of the production and the dates and even a synopsis of the show and characters, but then I start gently digging for behind the scenes info. How did the auditions work? Who is invited? Who's building the set, doing the lighting? Are fun things happening at rehearsals? All this information lets the listeners get a feel for the production, for theatre, and how much fun it is. Yes, the shows are seriously produced, but the participants are having fun. I want the listeners to know because I believe many people out there would love to be in a show, but haven't built up the courage to get out and try."

Each week the show presents a list of theatrical productions that are currently running or will be opening soon. Adding the listing of audition calls is under consideration.

The phone lines are open during the show, and listeners are encouraged to call and request favorite songs for themselves or loved ones, or to just say hi. The "Show Tunes Collection" has over 250 CDS, and growing, so most music requests are satisfied. Callers are also able to snag the occasional free ticket to a show and other prizes.

What does Larry like most about doing the show? "It's 3 hours of relaxing fun! It's like getting together with some old friends and reminiscing about the past, and dreaming about the future. The loyal fans make it all worth while!"

Larry 'Lectric Lar' Houbre
'Lectric Lar'
Feb. 23, 2006

Note: On June 10, 2006, FM 91.1 WSMU moved to FM 89.3 WUMD

Next Spot Light