Though the semester is beginning to wind down, the creative spirit of many students is growing stronger still.
Just a week away from its spring show, the Newman Music Department is working swiftly to put the finishing touches to its joyous and energetic musical titled “It’s Time to Play ….” Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 21, through Saturday, April 23, in the DeMattias Performance Hall.
Tickets are available for purchase at the door or online. Cost is $12 for general admission, $10 for senior citizens, Newman faculty and staff and the military, $5 for students college age and below and free for Newman students with their student I.D.
Ending the semester in song
Following suit from previous years, the Newman Music Department is ending this creative season with a jukebox musical, which ties songs of various genres together in one place, allowing vocalists to showcase a diverse range of styles and sounds in the context of one unifying story.
Although Phil Speary typically writes the script for the annual spring show, he was unable to assume the role of guest writer due to illness. A silver lining came from this unfortunate circumstance, however, and a few Newman students were given the opportunity to do the scriptwriting.
Deanne Zogleman, director of the music department, expressed how proud she is of her talented group and the work they have done to make this year’s show a success.
“I have four seniors,” began Zogleman, “Allison Williams, Brenden Schwartz, Austin Schwartz and Rebekah Lipinksi. I gave them the outline of where the songs needed to fall, I gave them the storyline, and they did an amazing job. This is such a well-written jukebox musical. I couldn’t be happier.”
Faced with the challenge of a quick turnaround and a new way of creating the show, the students collaborated efficiently and succeeded in their task of writing and breathing life into their show.
“The work ethic in this group is like none other,” Zogleman said. “They all enjoy each other. They all work whether they’re dog-tired or bouncing off the walls. They are dedicated to getting this show going.”
Audience members can look forward to watching a gameshow on Newman’s stage, as they will see the Wellerman family and the Bloom family compete in “Dance to the Music.”
“The men have some very entertaining songs,” Zogleman said. “They’ll become the boy band, the Backstreet Boys, and you may also see them running around in tights during the show. The women have one of our favorite musicals, “Mamma Mia.” You’ll see cheerleading on stage, you’ll see circus performers, lots of dance and lots of fun.”
Get tickets online for “It’s Time to Play …”
Cost is $12 for general admission, $10 for senior citizens, Newman faculty and staff and the military, $5 for students college age and below and free for Newman students with their student I.D.
