The Musical Theatre Showcase will offer changes this season

Freshman  Jeff Hartnett and sophomore Willie Kreitlow rehearsing their number. Photo by Abbie Wells

By Abbie Wells

It’s the time of year once again to hear Waldorf College theatre students sing their hearts out on the Smith Theatre stage.

The fourth annual Musical Theatre Showcase will take place Sunday Oct. 11 at 1:00 p.m. and Monday Oct. 12 at 7:00 p.m. The newest of freshman to the most seasoned seniors will be taking the stage to perform a variety of musical theatre pieces from an array of shows in the theatre world.

Pieces from the musicals “Next to Normal”, “Kinky Boots”, “Shrek: the Musical”, “Book of Mormon”, “Guys and Dolls”, “Cabaret”, “Les Miserables” and many more will be performed. Performers include Philip Detrick, Sarah Vlodek, Haley Rubin, Ashleigh Stingley, Rachael Jordahl, Abbie Wells, Sydney Hutchison, Jacquelyn Imsande, Christopher Saavedra, Anna Johanns, Marlon Banks, Anton Kudej, Matthew Sink, Willie Kreitlow, Jeff Hartnett, Jacob Glass, Tori Cook, Taylor Loudermilk, and Austin Burton. Accompanying all the performers will be Travis Beck.

Freshman Myriah Hacker will perform in the showcase and is very excited for her solo performance. “I absolutely love my song,” Hacker said. “It’s a little intimidating, since this will be my first solo performance in college, but I can’t wait to show people what I can do.”

For the first time the showcase will be directed by students. Seniors Philip Detrick and Sarah Vlodek were asked to take over the direction of the show this year due to changes in faculty in the theatre department.

“I’m feeling a little nervous since it’s my first time directing something of this caliber, but I’m also very excited and grateful to have this opportunity,” Vlodek said. “Everyone in the cast is very talented and dedicated, so I think the show is going to be great.”

Expectations are running high for the show. Hacker said, “I’ve only heard bits and pieces from some of the groups, but it still boggles my mind how many amazing, talented people are involved.”