Divas bring vocal prowess to CSPS stage

Lynne Rothrock waxes in a sentimental manner about "Divapalooza" shows from a decade ago, at Theatre Cedar Rapids. “Those were some great concerts that featured myself, Janelle Lauer and her mother Jane Pini,” Rothrock said while calling from Decorah. “It was an eclectic show featuring three different singers.”

Rothrock, 59, a charming redhead, channels the vocal power and brass of Bette Midler. Lauer, 53, is a soulful belter reminiscent of Aretha Franklin and Pini, a hippie boomer, who wails like Janis Joplin.

Pini has dropped out of the divas.

“My mother is content to just hang out with her husband at home,” Lauer said while calling from her Cedar Rapids home. “So it’s up to Lynne and I to bring it. We only do this typically once a year.”

Sounds about right considering Rothrock and Lauer’s show Friday and Saturday at CSPS Hall is dubbed “Divas '23.” Rothrock and Lauer will deliver their own songs and share the stage for duets. Thanks to Cedar Rapids vocalist-violinist Marita May O’Connell, there will be some three-part harmonies.

“It’s a nice mix,” Rothrock said. “Janelle is this amazing R&B singer and I’m a jazz and cabaret singer. We cover a lot of ground. There will be a lot of R&B, folk, bluegrass and some comedic stuff in the mix. I’m very funny in between songs.”

Well, so is Midler, who typically entertains with a monologue between first and second songs.

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The Cedar Rapids residents were joined by Rothrock’s husband, Blues Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Ron DeWitte, during each Divas show until he died in 2018.

“It’s not been the same without Ron being around,” Rothrock said. “It’s been difficult personally, but you keep going. For this show we needed a guitarist and we’re fortunate to have a great one.”

Keyboardist Julia Andrews — keyboard, bassist Dave Ollinger and drummer Greg Kanz will back up the vocalists. Marion native Bryce Janey will play the resident axe guitar hero.

“Bryce is a great blues guitarist," Rothrock said. "We haven't had a player play like that since Ron died. He and Ron were close friends. Bryce spoke at Ron’s celebration of life. Bryce is an amazing person. Bryce will also be playing some of his own tunes.”

When Rothrock isn't singing she's teaching music and theater at Luther College.

“That’s where I am now and I love it,” Rothrock said. “It’s about passing along what I can to students. I love what I do.”

That’s evident since Rothrock is also an adjudicator.

“I do a ton of that because I enjoy it,” Rothrock said. “I love music.”

It’s a similar story for Lauer, who grew up in Mechanicsville and graduated from Lincoln High School, (which is now North Cedar High) class of '87, and is immersed in local arts. Lauer is a musical director at Theatre Cedar Rapids and is a co-founding member of SPT Theater. “I’m all about music,” Lauer said. “That’s the way it was with me since I grew up. Music was always on in the house. I remember hearing Stevie Wonder, Crosby, Stills & Nash and so many other great recording artists when I was little. One of my first memories was singing onstage with my mother when I was 3-years old. Singing is in my blood.”

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Rothrock, who graduated from Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School in 1981, believes she’s a better instructor since she’s also a performer.

“There’s no doubt about that,” Rothrock said. “It’s so significant to still be out there entertaining. It’s also good for the students to see their teacher performing.”

Both Rothrock and Lauer have bounced around. The former earned a masters in music at Western Michigan University and lived in Minneapolis and Seattle. The latter studied business at Belmont University in Nashville and resided in Chicago. However, both opted to move back close to where they grew up.

“I came back to Cedar Rapids in 2003,” Rothrock said. “I didn’t expect to stay but I met Ron and I fell in love. My mother still lives here and I love my house. I also like the pace of Cedar Rapids. There’s not a lot of traffic and there is so much to do. It’s also a great arts community. People support the arts in Cedar Rapids. I’m so excited that CSPS contacted us since we know people will come out to see us do our thing.”