Music ‘DooWopified’ By Doo Wop Project

Broadway veterans, from left, Sonny Paladino, Dominic Nolfi, Dominic Scaglione, Dwayne Cooper, Russell Fischer and Charl Brown, trace the evolution of doo-wop on stage as The Doo Wop Project. They are slated to perform at the Paramount in Huntington on Jan. 13. Photo/The Doo Wop Project

By Connor Beach
cbeach@longislandergroup.com

From the classic sounds of the ‘50s and ‘60s to the most popular songs on the radio today, The Doo Wop project sings them all in the iconic harmonies of the doo-wop era.

The six-man Doo Wop project traces the evolution of the musical style from origins with groups like the Crests, Belmonts and Flamingos through the sounds of Smokey Robinson, The Temptations and The Four Seasons. The band also puts an original spin on songs by modern musicians like Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz and Maroon 5.

The popularity of doo-wop music peaked in the early 1960’s, and features vocal group harmonies.

The Doo Wop Project’s members have some serious doo-wop chops; each has performed on Broadway in at least one musical featuring songs from the era.

Charl Brown originated the role of Smokey Robinson in “Motown: The Musical.” Dwayne Cooper was a cast member of “Motown: The Musical” and “Hairspray.” Russell Fischer performed in both “Jersey Boys” and “Big.” Dominic Nolfi is an original cast member of “A Bronx Tale,” “Motown: The Musical” and “Jersey Boys.”

Dominic Scaglione is best known for his starring role as Frankie Valli in “Jersey Boys.”

The groups musical director Sonny Paladino served as musical supervisor for the Broadway musical “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812.”

The Doo Wop Project uses their Broadway background to recreate the authentic sounds of doo-wop classics. The majority of the groups music stems from this earlier era, but they also spend significant effort reimagining more modern music with a doo-wop twist.

Audience members of all ages will recognize something from the wide range of music The Doo-Wop Project performs at their live shows. Doo-wop classics can bring back memories for older generations, while younger crowds enjoy “DooWopified” versions of today’s hits.

The show at The Paramount later this month is part of The Doo-Wop Project’s tour that began last year and runs until February.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show at The Paramount on Jan. 13. Tickets for the show range from $29.50-$49.50 and can be purchased at the box office or online at Paramountny.com.