Carousel Music Theater (CMT) is staging “Dominic’s Diner” an hour-long tribute to Boothbay Harbor’s Dominic Garvey (1936-2015), written, directed and choreographed by Michelle Brucker. “I worked with him, from 1990-1991, and his loving guidance helped me reach my career goals. Dominic taught me so much, this show is a love letter dedicated to his memory,” she said.

Garvey’s life in the arts led him around the world, performing a wide array of genres including classical, opera, film and stage. He was a Fulbright Scholar, graduate of the Sorbonne, resident artist of the Art Center of Strasbourg, professor of theater at Villanova University, and artistic director of CMT, working with Dr. Mary Miller and playing piano for the Harbor Methodist Church for a decade.

The tribute is offered through the narratives of four young people; a diner has lost its owner, and the four 20-somethings are determined to keep the diner open, as Dominic’s legacy, by raising money to pay back taxes. They host a sock-hop dance party in the diner. The songs are recognizable 1950s favorites (original tracks/arrangements and music directed by Ashley Grace Ryan), performed with high energy choreography and expert vocalizations.

Cavontè Green (George) is an actor, singer and songwriter from Manassas Park, Virginia where he is a substitute teacher at the middle school he attended. His commanding stage presence ignites his castmates and the audience. His air guitar is not bad either. His basso cantante range hits all the low notes in a brilliantly melty and completely soulful manner. Sam-Cooke-meets-young-Michael-Jackson to influence his pop music stylings in “Wonderful World” (Cooke 1960) and the Isley Brothers 1959 hit “Shout.” A true collaborator, Green thrives when working with other performers and has spent his lifetime honing his crafts.

Bayville’s Elena Tarpley (Diana) divides her time between Tampa, Florida, Bayville and Pace University where she is pursuing a BFA in acting. Over the next 10 years, she hopes to reach into every aspect of performing – film, big and small stages, and more. Her parents have been her biggest inspiration and her strongest supporters. Tarpley’s loud, unapologetic and surgically precise vocals vibrate CMT chairs in “At the Hop” (Danny & the Juniors 1958) and “Willie and the Hand Jive” (Johnny Otis 1958).

Rachel Swedberg (Suzanne Hoopshire) flourishes at the intersection of musical theater and pop music. In the next few years, she plans to perform movie musicals, films and on Broadway. When she’s not performing, the Marymount Manhattan College graduate is working on her golf game. “My swing is way better than anyone expected,” she joked. On stage, she pulls from the accomplished canons of Meryl Streep and Patrick Swayze. “They’re both one-of-a-kinds, have a style unique and unmatched. I like that.” Swedberg delivers a clear, bright voice full of standout moments and deep emotion, much like her inspiration, Laura Osnes. Her rendition of “Blue Moon” (Rodgers & Hart 1934) is not to be missed.

Jacob Lesko (Bobby Joe) delights the audience with the most athletic leaping dance moves to bounce the CMT stage. Performing since age 7, and in highly regarded venues, the recent Manhattanville University BFA graduate adores stories with simple plots that allow him to delve into character expression to elevate the roles he plays. A true study of character development and musical theater, Lesko’s power vocals carry the songs “Diana” (Anka 1958) and “There’s A Moon Out Tonight” (The Capris 1959). “This whole experience, we’ve (the cast) become a little family and our roles on stage rely on this friendship we’ve formed with each other,” he said. “If I could say one thing to your readers, I would say – keep supporting live theater. My family has always allowed me to chase my dreams. These opportunities are defining moments.”

The set provides the perfect backdrop to the action and costumes were original to the period. Women wore polka dot dresses with crinolines, fit-and-flare silhouettes synonymous with ’50s feminine glamour and saddle shoes. Men wore plaids, bow ties and sophisticated, rebellious, rock-n-roll style button-downs.

Paulette Carter is executive director and Garrett Carter provides sound and lighting. Susie Taylor is kitchen staff and Leisha MacDougall is photographer. CMT offers special thanks to Mark Carter, Leisha and Andy MacDougall, Robb Barnard, Tom Dewey, Mary Miller and the BRHS Drama Club.

The show runs through Aug. 3. Tickets can be bought at https://www.carouselmusictheater.org/ or by calling the box office at (207) 633-5297. Upcoming shows include “Motown Moves” Aug. 6-28 and “The Secret of Cell Block #7,” an immersive musical murder mystery dinner Sept. 3-16.