When it comes to crafting the perfect setlist, the guys of The Doo Wop Project don’t just stick to era classics from The Belmonts and The Four Seasons. They incorporate “DooWopified” (a term coined by bass Dwayne Cooper) versions of modern hits by Maroon 5, Sam Smith and Michael Jackson.
The group, comprised of Broadway veterans hailing from shows like Jersey Boys, Motown the Musical and A Bronx Tale, will bring its diverse talents to the stage on Aug. 27 and 28, at 8 p.m. as the final offering in Bristol Riverside Theatre and William Penn Bank’s Summer Music Fest concert series.
“We all met doing Jersey Boys on Broadway, the nucleus of the group met doing that. We decided there was nobody our age singing classic doo-wop, we enjoyed doing it and we should cultivate a show that showcases that sound,” founding member Dominic Nolfi told The Times. “Not only is it complete Americana, but there’s also a historic significance to it as sort of the beginning of what is the boy band era. There is no Boys II Men without The Harptones or The Del-Vikings. There is no Backstreet Boys without The Temptations.”
It’s been about a decade since The Doo Wop Project formed. As the guys started to gain national attention, performing in California, Nevada, Florida and other states, they began incorporating unique twists on Top 40 tunes.
“We realized it’s fun for the audience if we take normal, contemporary songs and turn them into doo wop songs. We call that ‘DooWopifying’ a song,” said Nolfi. “We’ll take, for example, a Sam Smith song. We’ll put some doo wop arrangements around it, some vocal arrangements, and we’ll perform it. It’s all connected and we love finding those connections.”
For Nolfi and his bandmates, it’s a joy to perform on a stage again after COVID-19 ravaged the live entertainment industry.
“It feels great. We’re super thankful,” he said. “We hope that everything dissipates and that we’re able to have a normal fall. Things have come roaring back so we’re busy and happy.”
At the upcoming Bristol shows, which will take place at Bristol Township’s outdoor amphitheater, located at 2501 Bath Road, Nolfi promised two unforgettable evenings.
“They can expect a lot of energy, first of all. We put out a lot of energy. I think that’s maybe what separates us from some of the older doo wop groups that are still out there doing it. On Broadway, whenever you perform, you put out your maximum effort, so that’s what we’re used to doing,” Nolfi said. “We bring a lot of dancing, a lot of high energy and a lot of camaraderie. We enjoy being on stage together and we enjoy the fact that we’ve created this means of work for ourselves, so we take it very seriously.”
Audiences will be able to witness matching, colorful jackets (paired with blue jeans) and simple choreography, two staples of the original doo wop days.
“It’s all done with humor and fun. It’s sort of like a rowdy harmony group with a polished garage band behind us. They’re all Broadway and world-class musicians, but this sound is a loud sort of garage band reminiscent of the kind of sound that doo wop came up with, the unpolished, early rock and roll feel.”
In addition to Nolfi and Cooper, the singers slated to appear at the Bristol shows include Charl Brown, Dominic Scaglione Jr., Russell Fischer and Sonny Paladino.
According to Nolfi, The Doo Wop Project has an open-door policy. If one of its members lands a gig, whether it be on Broadway or television, there’s a number of other vocalists ready and willing to step in.
“If Martin Scorsese calls you and wants you to be in his film, with the band’s blessing, you go and do that. We just regroup,” said Nolfi. “We’ve been doing this for over 10 years, so now we have a catalog, kind of like a brotherhood, of guys. They all have to have a Broadway credit and they all have to be cool and vetted by us because we climb into a minivan together and trek off across the country a lot.”
Nolfi stressed that The Doo Wop Project wouldn’t have survived this long without the open-door policy.
“Nobody moved to New York City to be a doo wop singer. It just sort of happened,” he explained. “What’s wonderful is, the gigs are there when you need them to be there, but if another wonderful opportunity comes along, you can take it.”
As the group’s Bristol performances draw near, Nolfi urged residents to get tickets for a much-needed night out.
“It’s a celebration of that era and that music, along with some contemporary songs to keep it interesting,” said Nolfi. “And I don’t think there’s a better time to celebrate after what we’ve all been through this past year and a half.”
All tickets are $40. Seating is general admission and socially distanced. Masks are required for audience members who are not vaccinated. Food trucks will be on-site. Chairs and blankets are available for purchase at the venue and online. Visit brtstage.org or call the box office at 215-785-0100 for tickets and more information.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
