Families and kids of all ages will enjoy Catawba College’s “An Evening of Magical Song” at 7:30 p.m., April 16-18 in Keppel Auditorium on campus. The production is a collaboration between the departments of Theatre Arts and Music.
Enjoy an evening of Disney favorites, including classic Disney songs from “Mary Poppins,” “Pete’s Dragon,” “Snow White,” and more contemporary favorites like “The Lion King,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Tarzan” and “Hercules.”
This musical extravaganza is fully costumed, with choreography and staging by theatre arts professor Missy Barnes and musical direction by music professor Paul E. Oakley.
“Working with such a large group of people to create this production has been an exciting experience,” Barnes said. “Many Catawba students, faculty, and staff members have devoted significant amounts of time to design and create our production. In addition to the many who are constructing the physical elements, it has been gratifying to work with students from a variety of academic disciplines throughout the rehearsal process.”
Music professor Paul E. Oakley said of the extravaganza, “The genius of Walt Disney has inspired many composers to create some of the most beloved songs in American popular music history. From generation to generation the songs from Disney movies and musicals are sung in families.
“Catawba College is using the format of a 1960s television variety show to present an evening of song and dance based on the music of great Disney favorites. We are offering an evening of these most popular tunes with elegant staging, beautiful costumes and stunning choreography. Catawba’s auditioned concert choir, The Catawba Singers, will be featured in the concert which includes the Catawba Madrigal Ensemble and the Catawba Children’s Chorus.
“From the high energy of ‘Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah’ and ‘Be Our Guest’ to the quiet beauty of ‘Candle on the Water’ and ‘Circle of Life,’ the program includes music for the child in all of us, and for children of all ages. Families can come to Keppel Auditorium for an evening of splendid entertainment that will delight the youngest and eldest member of the family.”
Oakley says he would like to sell out Keppel Auditorium for all three shows.
Student performers featured in “An Evening of Magical Song” include Michael Proctor, Caitlin Becka, Cassie Bell, Brad Boaz, Nicole Bowles, Kat Campagna, Corey Cellurale, Jaclyn Chapman, Sandy Ciborowski, Andrea Clabaugh, Chris Clowers, Lonnie Coleman, Canaan Cox, Jennifer Drake, Nicole Durant, Jordan Ellis, Chris Fink and Katie Haeuser.
Also, Autumn Hamilton, Lori Hamrick, Carrie Harris, Mike Innis, Mason Jewett, J.J. Johnson, Stephanie Key, Chase Kyles, Emily Lewis , Justin Tyler Lewis, Shanna Locklair, Christopher Lunetta.
Also, Vanessa Malanga, Jacob McClain, Amber McCleerey, Yolanda McClure, Meghan McLaughlin, Quinn McRae, Zach McRae, Rachel Mehaffey, Erica Mickey, Matthew Newton, Mary Alice Nichols.
Also, Josh Owen, Matt Patrick, Christine Plough, Kaitlyn Pogue, Zach Roe, Sheldon Rogers, Alyssa Roth, Paul Saylor, Jennifer Schultz, Jesse Siak, Danielle Smith .
Also, Caitlin Springs, Mara Stewart, Bianca Stokes, Dustin Sullivan, Alec Thompson, Kat Tierney, David Troutman, Kristopher Watson, Rob White, Molly Williams, and Felicia Youngblood.
Crew members include Jared Kenish, , producer and assistant lighting designer; Justin Duncan, stage manager; Meghan Schneider and Jen Short, assistant stage managers; and Zack Lynch, assistant director and assistant choreographer.
Tickets to “An Evening of Magical Song” are $10 for children/students/senior citizens and $12 for adults.
They are available through the Catawba College Box Office at 704-637-4481, or available for purchase online at www.showtix4u.com.