Four Guyz bring back '50s with style

During the day he's Aaron Schmidt, business professional with a computer engineering background.

But to the die-hard fans of doo-wop group Four Guyz in Dinner Jackets, the Waukesha man is Aaron, the slightly goofy guy everyone else likes to pull pranks on.

To his fellow Guyz, he's the person who handles the technical side of things - and, of course, the strong bass voice that completes the harmonies the group is known for.

Each of the Guyz has a distinct, although not formally designated, stage persona that has developed over the years. There's Don Lobacz, the lady's man. And Tommy Lueck, the slightly distracted one. And rounding out the foursome - which, you may have already guessed, takes as much pride in their showmanship as their vocal stylings - is Wauwatosa's Reggie Kurschner, the innocent one who always seems to end up with the heartbreak song.

"We're not really a band," Tommy said. "We're a theatrical show you might find in the early 1960s - a variety show. Of course, 90 percent of it is music.

"At the end of the show, the audience really knows our personalities."

Playing the Sunset

Four Guyz in Dinner Jackets is bringing that show to the Sunset Playhouse throughout February with their newest production "Always in Style," featuring hit songs of the 1950s and '60s.

"We don't put the set list on the program," Don said. "We want you to sit back and anticipate - what will we do next?"

The cabaret-style show, cocktails available, lasts two hours. There's always some audience involvement in the show and a chance to meet the Guyz afterward.

They are confident you won't be disappointed.

"There's an 'ahh' moment in every show, a song that makes people sit back and remember," Aaron said. "It's a lot of fun. If you're a kid of this era, it'll bring back memories. If you didn't grow up in this era, it's still very fun."

Supporting the arts

The Guyz have played the Sunset's Musical Mainstage before, and have helped entertain at a past fundraiser for the theater.

Supporting community theater is important to them, and not just so they have a stage to step onto.

Community theater is what brought the foursome together. All four performed in "Forever Plaid" at the Broadway Baby Dinner Theater in Milwaukee. Someone pointed out they would sound good together, and voila! Four Guyz was formed.

They perform throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest in various venues including Festa Italiana to the Marcus Center.

IF YOU GO

Who: Four Guyz in Dinner Jackets:

What: "Always in Style"

Where: Sunset Playhouse, 800 Elm Grove Road, Elm Grove

When: Through Feb. 26; 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays

Cost: $15-$25

Tickets: SunsetPlayhouse.com or call (262) 782-4430