'Boot Scootin' Boogie' concert experience opening at Fountain Inn's Younts Center

After celebrating everything from Motown to holiday favorites, Ignite Theatrical is heading to the country with its latest concert experience.

“Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” opening Aug. 7 at the Younts Center for the Performing Arts in Fountain Inn, marks the company’s first full-fledged country music revue, bringing together classic hits, contemporary favorites and a cast spanning multiple generations.

“It’s a great opportunity to get out with friends and celebrate and enjoy the hits of country music from the classics to new songs,” said Tim St. Clair II, founder and director of Ignite Theatrical and co-director of the production.

“Boot Scootin’ Boogie” offers nearly two hours of music, featuring 15 singers and four dancers performing one country favorite after another. Each act runs about 45 minutes, separated by an intermission.

The song list stretches across decades, from Patsy Cline’s “Crazy,” Tennessee Ernie Ford’s “Sixteen Tons” and Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” to Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5,” Brooks & Dunn’s “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” Rascal Flatts’ “Life Is a Highway” and songs by Carrie Underwood.

Popular demand

Rather than arranging the show chronologically, St. Clair mixed eras to keep the energy high while giving audiences a broad sampling of country music’s evolution.

The production was designed around the strengths of the performers.

“We made it more personal for them,” St. Clair said. “We accentuated their strengths.”

That collaborative approach helped attract several newcomers to Ignite Theatrical. St. Clair estimates five or more performers are making their debut with the company after auditioning specifically because of the country theme.

“We hit a niche there with country music,” he said. “They’re like, ‘Oh, this is my time to shine.'”

Co-director William Brown believes the show’s greatest strength is its ability to bridge generations. Older country standards blend naturally with today’s chart-toppers, while a gospel segment near the end offers another facet of the genre.

“People are going to have a really good time,” Brown said.

The production grew directly out of audience demand. Patrons, board members and visitors attending Ignite’s previous concert-style productions at the Younts Center had urged the company to stage a country show.

Performers will encourage crowd participation, inviting patrons to clap, sing along and even dance as familiar favorites fill the theater.

“I’ve enjoyed putting this together,” St. Clair said. “It’s really high energy and we’re all exhausted by the end of it, but it’s so much fun to do.”