The season of spring is bringing new life and new musical numbers to Newman’s stage as the cast and crew work relentlessly to put the polish on this year’s spring musical.
Envisioned and staged by Director of Music Deanne Zogleman, Live in Living Color is a jukebox musical filled with popular music such as Disney songs, selections from Pentatonix, contemporary pieces from Broadway. The show debuts Thursday, April 22nd at 7:30 p.m. in the DeMattias Performance Hall, and will continue the following two nights, closing on the 24th.
Its title is a salute to the television characters that will come to life during the production, including some from Spongebob, Veggie Tales, and more.
Allison Williams, a junior studying psychology and criminal justice and a member of the cast, shared some of her thoughts about the production. She began by commenting on the pacing.
“The entire show is incredibly high energy but I would say that, as a group, we gravitate towards the end of the show with a beautiful and strong intention of meaning. As any show should, this one definitely builds to the end.”
Even though the vocalists were already familiar with many of the songs that will be in the show, they face the difficulties of adapting it in a choral format for stage.
“One of the biggest joys and challenges has been performing music we all know so well already. Splitting well-known title themes into four-part harmonies has been difficult as many of us have had to relearn some of our favorite show songs. The joy is produced through pure nostalgia.”
Williams also expanded on the beauty of the show’s title.
“ ‘Live in Living Color’ to me means that we’re finally waking up and sort of coming back to life. This show has almost been a rebirth for many of us after the last chaotic year and we’ve finally been given a chance to just perform with the joy of knowing how far we’ve come.”
To represent the intentions of the cast and crew, Williams commented more on the joy and new life expressed in the performance.
“The biggest reason people should come see this show is the pure joy our choir exudes. Part of it is the music we’re performing, part of it is the intention behind the songs, and part of it is just being on stage again doing what we love. The energy and the joy just explodes from the stage and that joy is infectious. I don’t think anyone could watch this show without smiling or laughing at least once and we could all use a little laughter in our lives.”
She closed with a sentiment of thankfulness and anticipation.
“We’re so excited to share our love of music with an audience again. We perform to provide joy and happiness for the audience and for ourselves, and this show has something for absolutely everyone.”
Tickets cost $12 for the general public, $10 for military, senior citizens and Newman faculty and staff, $5 for other students college age and below and free for Newman students (with ID).
Anyone interested in reserving a seat may do so by calling 316-942-4291×2196 or by emailing Zogleman at [email protected].
