Popular event celebrates "Everything to Do With Love"
The Brigham Young University School of Music presents its Music Dance Theatre Showcase, “Everything to Do With Love,” on Thursday and Friday, Feb. 12-13, at 7 and 9 p.m. in the Madsen Recital Hall at the Harris Fine Arts Center.
Tickets at $9 with $3 off with BYU or student ID are available at the Fine Arts Ticket Office, (801) 378-4322 or at www.byu.edu/hfac.
The showcase, produced by Joel Tobey and directed by Oliver Gaag, has everything to do with love.
“We are trying to explore the different aspects of relationships where love is involved,” Gaag said. “Love is a universal theme that is found in Music Theatre, and love is what makes it speak to cultures around the world.”
The program will showcase music from old and new Broadway musicals, including “Personals,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Hairspray,” “Rent,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “Gypsy,” “The Producers,” “She Loves Me,” “Sweet Charity,” “Into the Woods,” “Footloose,” “Aida,” “Songs for a New World,” “Smokey Joe’s Café,” “Kiss Me, Kate” and “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.”
“The show is lighthearted and funny, and will present romantic melodies, famous duets, and show-stopping numbers about love and relationships,” Gaag said.
Tobey said that the songs are not limited only to those dealing with romantic relationships.
“We chose this theme because it also reflects love in relationships between siblings, parents and children and friendship, as well as romantic love,” he said.
The student performers, ranging from freshmen to seniors, are receiving national recognition for their talents. MDT alumni have performance experience with BYU groups like Young Ambassadors and The Dancer’s Company, as well as professional touring groups on Broadway, national touring companies, on cruise ships and at theme parks.
“The show is a chance for people to see what kind of talent we have at BYU,” Gaag said.
Gaag also said that proceeds from the showcase represent the only income that the Music Dance Theatre program has for scholarships, so attending the showcase will help fund MDT students’ education.
“The show is unique because of its intimate atmosphere,” Tobey said. “Our ultimate goal is to touch the lives of those who come and watch us. I know that everyone who comes will be well entertained, uplifted and refilled with a greater enthusiasm for life.”
The cast includes Mimi Adams, Laurel Asay, Michelle Bradshaw, Emily Brinton, Josh Campbell, Brooke Cenicola, Valerie Chamberlain, Corinne Curtis, Adam Daveline, Laura Dudley, Amie Einerson, Oliver Gaag, Kelli Gautreau, Kevin Goertzen, Erika Gunn, Kimberley Hirt, Tony Jimenez, Autumn Jones, Kevin Jordan, Lindsey Judd, Jenny Latimer, Tim Lewis, Melinda Lockwood, Julie Mack, Libby Marshall, Andrew McFadden, Courtney Nelson, Jeff Pew, Geoff Reynolds, Preston Sadleir, Laurel Sandberg, Liesl Shurtliff, Cory Stephens, Jeff Stevens, Meghan Stettler, Ben Tichy, Joel Tobey, Brittany Williams and Summer Wood.
The production staff includes music director Tiffany Nutter, choreographer Tim Lewis and faculty adviser Tim Threlfall.
For more information about the Music Dance Theatre Showcase, contact Joel Tobey at 735-7591, Oliver Gaag at 319-6053 or Tim Threlfall at 422-8133.
Writer: Rachel M. Sego
