San Jose native Ted Kopulos is ready to bring old fashioned pop
music downtown in his newest production, "The Poptimists." The
Tabard Theatre Company photo
Y’know, they just don’t do automobile-sponsored pop music high school assemblies the way they used to.
Yes, all the magic of contemporary popular music was the perfect “vehicle” to teach teens about making safe choices behind the wheel.
At least it was when Ted Kopulos was a student in the early ‘70’s at Leigh High School in San Jose. The group he witnessed was named the Spurrlows, and their job was twofold – entertain the heck out of the student body, and make sure the kids used their turn signals.
“I was one of the few classmates who remembered them so vividly. One of the things I remembered was how so very straight, upbeat and sincere they were,” said Kopulos. “The Spurrlows were sponsored by Chrysler/Plymouth, and through some part of their agreement, the group had to mix messages about driving safety in with their contemporary pop songs.”
Kopulos has carved out a nearly 40-year career in theatre in the Bay Area and beyond, and the Leigh High School and San Jose State graduate is bringing those memories of that assembly to his latest show. The world premiere of “The Poptimists,” the satirical story of the clean cut and patriotic singing group, opens at Theatre on San Pedro Square on Dec. 4th for a limited engagement. Produced by The Tabard Theatre Company and designated as a “Tabard Too” production (family friendly, but of the PG-13 variety), “The Poptimists” are ready to spread their patriotic wings to anyone within earshot.
It’s hard to imagine that the performance by the Spurrlows would have such a profound effect on one of the young persons in that audience nearly 40 years ago. But the sunshine that the Spurrlows were spreading definitely shone brightly on Kopulos.
Ted Kopulos
“The Spurrlows were a tidal wave of sound and optimism,” said Kopulos. “It was the first time I had ever heard a big band in a gymnasium. And the young performers were also miked. My ears and brain were almost blown away.
“And then I noticed that a lot of things The Spurrlows were teaching seemed to come off as the opposite of their intention. They were so concerned with American values, happiness through conformity and racial tolerance, that they frequently had the opposite effect. And I found that incredibly comical. And they were just SO sincere. I found them to be irresistible for satire.”
Kopulos’ production once again is set at a high school assembly. As the storyline goes, the group is being sponsored by DynoSunCo, the leader in clean, environmentally friendly American nuclear power. Kopulos further describes the show as “an affectionate and clever poke at the politics and perspectives that defined the decade, not so subtly wrapped in upbeat American clothing.”
One of the challenges that Kopulos faces is the material that must be implemented by a cast that has no connection whatsoever to the’ 70’s. The responsibility of teaching the sounds, jargon, references and nuance of the period has been left to Kopulos, who is also directing the show.
“The material is meant to be funny on many levels,” said Kopulos. “I explained a lot of the period humor to them and they got an even deeper understanding of where to go with the material. A lot of younger performers are fascinated with the late ‘60's and early ‘70's. So they enjoy some of the stories told to them by relics like me who were actually there.”
The show is a great medium for Kopulos, who grew up in a highly musical family. His father was a musician, and growing up with three older sisters offered plenty of eclectic tones throughout the house. A self-proclaimed mimic, he has also been able to utilize a variety of styles, which is a fabulous venue for satire. Music has given him a lifelong challenge, one that he embraces wholeheartedly.
“I've always loved playing with words whether as a lyricist or a smart-aleck in class. Words can be great puzzles when they become lyrics. And then matching them with melody is another kind of puzzle altogether -- and very satisfying to solve.”
“The Poptimists” may be set during the tumultuous 1970’s, with Vietnam raging, gas rations and Watergate. But there is nothing period about the themes that the show brings into a contemporary focus.
“I think a lot of the themes in the show and its score are timeless: happiness through ignorance, instant conformity without asking why, simple innocuous things being blown into major importance, blind optimism during pessimistic times.
“And all served up with obnoxious helpings of optimism, patriotism and Crest smiles.”
Examining Ted Kopulos, in his own words
On his writing style:
“I'm a big admirer of Neil Simon's work. He's another playwright who loves wordplay. I also like composers like Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Richard Rodgers and George Gershwin.
My style is more traditional musical comedy-- less Rent, Wicked or Spring Awakening. More classic Broadway style. I just LOVE a great melody. And I love mixing great melody with light satire ... much like Tom Lehrer.”
On the evolution of the San Jose Theatre Scene since the 1970’s:
“It expands and contracts. I remember when there were only a few groups in downtown San Jose, and three groups in the West Valley area. Now groups have popped up all over the South Bay. To one extent, it's great, providing so much opportunity for people to become involved with theater. On the other hand, there are only so many theater audience dollars available and they're frequently spread too thin for some groups to survive for long. I had my own theater group in the 1980's, but that decade especially was tough on local theater.”
EXAMINE IT FOR YOURSELF
The world premiere of “The Poptimists”
Produced by The Tabard Theatre Company
Written and directed by Ted Kopulos
Dec. 4th – Dec. 12th
Tickets start at $10
All performances are held at Theatre on San Pedro Square
29 N. San Pedro St., San Jose, CA 95110
Call the box office at (408) 679-2330 for tickets and more information
On the net www.tabardtheatre.org
Email David John Chavez at dchavez04@att.net
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