Showstoppers, an annual musical theatre ensemble at the University of Mississippi, presents a holiday performance next week sure to entertain the entire family.
UM students Christian Green of Hattiesburg, Ally Marrone of Brentwood, Tenn., and Josh Baker of Bartlett, Tenn., appear in a Dr. Seuss-themed scene from the Ole Miss Theatre production of Showstoppers.
“We have chosen songs and dances from shows that are based on children’s stories, the comics and even the Bible,” said Rene Pulliam, associate professor of theatre arts and director of the show.
The show opens at 8 p.m. Wednesday (Dec. 2) in Meek Hall Auditorium, with encore performances set for 8 p.m. Dec. 3-5, and at 2 p.m. Dec. 6. Tickets are $10.50 for adults, $8.50 for children and seniors, and $7 for UM students with a valid ID. They are available in the UM Box Office in the Student Union or by calling 662-915-7411.
Pulliam has enjoyed working with the cast of the production, she said. The cast began rehearsing at the end of August. They rehearse five days a week for 90 minutes after class.
UM students Angelica Spence of Stone Mountain, Ga., Natalie Moore of Metairie, La., and Nick Bredosky of Southaven rehearse a comical scene from ‘Showstoppers.’ UM photo by Kevin Bain.
“We are very proud of the talent you will see in this production,” she said.
Neill Kelly, senior theatre arts major from Brandon, plays multiple roles in the production, ranging from Charlie Brown to Bert in Mary Poppins. He is also directing a portion of the show.
“The rehearsals have been going great with my cast that I’m directing,” Kelly said. “They are all really focused and very hard workers.”
Pulliam believes that the show will be a perfect opportunity for the whole family to do something together.
“This is something you can bring the whole family to see,” she said. “If you like Dr. Seuss, or the Peanuts gang, pirates and chimney sweeps, or the story of the Ugly Duckling, you will be in for a treat. We have singing and dancing – tap dance, too – and even a singalong at intermission.”
Kelly agreed, saying he believes that all audience members will thoroughly enjoy it.
“Everyone from the age of 2 to 102 is going to find something that they like in the show,” Kelly said. “It’s a really neat show and it’s going to be a fun way to kick off the holiday break.”
For more information or assistance related to a disability, call 662-915-5816. To learn more about the Department of Theatre Arts, visit http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/theatreˍarts/.
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