Diving into the Heart of CCR - With Cast Member Adam Machart

Adam Machart has been part of Creedence Clearwater Remixed!, a rousing tribute to the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival, since its first incarnation in 2017.

Machart and the show’s creator, Vaden Thurgood, have been friends for years, so when Thurgood shared that he had the idea to create an original revue about the pioneering country rock band, Machart signed on immediately.

We sat down with Adam Machart to talk about his favorite song to perform in the show, what he’s learned about CCR, and what it’s like to perform with his wife, Krista Buccellato, in Creedence Clearwater Remixed!.

You’ve been touring with Creedence Clearwater Remixed! for a few years. What has been the most rewarding part of bringing the music of this legendary group to life in so many places? Is there a special memory or moment from your time with the show that you’d like to share?

I’m getting to travel and perform with some of my best friends! Getting to see the show evolve over the past few years has been such a blast. During the pandemic, we were able to find creative ways to bring live music to people. We did one show in a drive-in movie theater format. We had a stage in a parking lot, and we used an FM radio station to pipe the sound to the car speakers. It was such a wild experience. Instead of hearing the audience cheer or laugh, we had people flashing their headlights and honking their horns. It was truly surreal.

Before getting involved with Creedence Clearwater Remixed!, what did you know about CCR? Was there anything that you were surprised to learn about the band?

What I learned is that I knew so many more songs than I originally thought I would! There’s a quote from Saul Zaentz, the record company executive who signed CCR to Fantasy Records, which says, “The whole history of art shows that the greatest art is created under conditions of oppression and depression.” 

True, the quantity of songs that was demanded of CCR, per their contract with Fantasy, helped them write hit after hit, but would it have caused the fighting and the ultimate destruction of the band? If the band had signed with another label, would we have CCR today?

Do you have a personal connection to any of the songs in the show?

Here's a big spoiler: I’m married to the girl in the blue-green plaid shirt in the show, Krista. I’m lucky enough to have a few duets with her, such as “I Put a Spell On You,” “Have You Ever Seen the Rain,” and “Centerfield." Even though we’re both actors, it’s such a rarity to get to perform together. So, I have such an awesome time singing with her each night.

What is your favorite song to perform and why?

Oh, definitely “Centerfield.” It’s so different than CCR’s typical style. It is super playful, exciting, and tells a story that paints a picture we can all relate to.

Creedence Clearwater Remixed! plays in FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, a 100-seat theatre where audiences are never very far from the stage. How does the intimacy and atmosphere of the Cabaret impact the show?

This show does so well with an intimate crowd. We can directly interact and react with everyone, it makes the experience so dynamic. The 6PM and 9PM crowds are getting the same script, but they’re not getting the exact same show! Hint hint, that means you should come see the show again!

Is there anything about you that audiences would be surprised to learn?

Oh, you think I can sing a mean song? I can also make a top-notch craft cocktail. I love all kitchen experiments… they're messy, but delicious!

Creedence Clearwater Remixed! is now playing in FST’s Goldstein Cabaret through October 22, 2023. For tickets and more information, click here.

Header Image: Krista Buccellato, Adam Machart, Dan Faber, and Vaden Thurgood. Photo by John Jones.