Let Me Be Frank Productions gets to fun part of ’70s

Some people roll their eyes about pop music of the 1970s and its superficial disco. Let Me Be Frank Productions has a knack for finding the heart and fun of just about any style and era, and so it is with “Juke Box of Cheese.”

The homemade musical is set in a cheese factory in our territory. Rural names are dropped — Morrison, Lark and Shirley, to name a few. The language is homey except for the guy who runs the place. He has an Italian accent.

Two songs in, and jaws drop. A pregnant woman sings “Stoney End,” which only the best singers can sing. Amy Riemer takes on the soaring song that Barbra Streisand let fly like it was meant for her.

Later, Lisa Andre transforms The Osmonds’ “One Bad Apple” into a solid fit for the show. It’s not an imitation but an adaptation for a voice and story.

“You Light Up My Life” from Debby Boone is a groaner among those who remember the hit, but Kelly Haddad makes it concert-worthy with her vibrant voice.

The women’s voices in this show have a sit-back-and-enjoy quality.

The guys provide loopiness. Pat Hibbard and Tom Verbrick play third-shift workers who are candidates for lovelorn columns. Hibbard is a not-so-smooth operator who rips out such rock songs as “Ballroom Blitz.” Verbrick gets to trip on a hairnet (yikes) and dress as Prince Charming, who has a wandering mole on his face.

Frank Hermans is award-winning cheesemaker Noodle Roni Parmiagiana, who dials through accents for his character and songs and is part of a notable scene/song/situation in Green Bay live entertainment history. “You’re Having My Baby” with Hermans and his wife, Riemer, who is due June 8, is pure entertainment.

Every cheese factory has to have a band to take on any style, from “Feelings” to “Spirit in the Sky.” Doing that are Heath Hermans, drums; Mike Larscheid, bass; Dennis Panneck, guitar; and Tony Pilz, keyboards.

The show takes you away from crummy news and ends on the highs of “Sweet Pea” (Hermans), “Turn the Beat Around” (Andre) and “Waterloo” (Riemer).