The students of resident voice professional Terry Patrick-Harris’ musical theatre class will be taking Broadway to the stage tonight in a celebration of musical theatre both old and new.
Singo de Mayo will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Union Theater and will feature students from a variety of backgrounds performing their renditions of various well-known musical theatre productions and more.
The concert features a wide range of songs, including selections from “Les Misérables,” “Music Man,” “Annie,” Disney’s “Mulan” and the “Legally Blonde” Broadway musical. The show marks the 11th anniversary of the event, which is being held at the Union Theater this year for the first time.
The show is being put on by the 35 students of Patrick-Harris’ class, who are all of various majors and backgrounds. Patrick-Harris said the diverse group of students are brought together by their love of musical theatre.
“There’s something for everyone. The diversity of the cast really brings something unique to the performance,” said theatre sophomore John Michael Moore.
Patrick-Harris said the show has been a collaborative process for her and the students, as she worked closely with her students in making casting and staging decisions. Biology junior Glenn Carman said he contributed to staging the finale, “Do You Hear the People Sing?” from “Les Misérables,” in which the alumni of the class have been invited to join the performers on stage.
“The show really gave the students a chance to be in a position of leadership,” Patrick-Harris said.
Other duties were divided among the students with the choreography led by history junior Adam Gilbert. Patrick-Harris said Gilbert worked tirelessly with the students to perfect the dancing.
This year, University alumnus Mason Griffin will join the group to conduct. Patrick-Harris said Griffin, a pianist and coach working in New York City, is returning to his alma mater this year to help with the show.
“We’re really grateful to have Mason conducting,” Carman said. “He expects a lot from the vocal performances, so the standards are really high.”
Bill Grimes, notable orchestra arranger and professor at the School of Music, has contributed his arrangement of a medley of classic musical theatre songs that celebrate New York City.
Carman said they’ve been working on the show for the entire semester and that after a few pre-show fundraisers he’s excited to bring the show to the Union Theater tonight.
“There’s something for everyone. The diversity of the cast really brings something unique to the performance.”
When: May 2 @ 7:30-10:00
Where: Union Theater
How Much: $20 public, $15 faculty, $10 Student (with I.D.)
