Willimantic — The public is invited to attend a student performance of “The Mockingbird’s Empty Orchestra: Hearing America’s History Through the Voices of Broadway” on Thurs., Fri., and Sat., Dec. 3, 4 and 5, 2015, at 7 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sat., Dec. 5, at EASTCONN Arts at the Capitol Theater (ACT), 896 Main St., Willimantic.
Tickets are $10 for adults, and $8 for students and seniors. The original show, developed by ACT students, Director Sandra Evans-Abbott and Musical Director Katherine Popovic, presents a chronological revue, in a karaoke format, that celebrates the history of Broadway and American musical theater from 1920 to today. ACT Principal Sarah Mallory, a professional dancer and teacher, is working with students on original choreography.
ACT is EASTCONN’s arts magnet high school, enrolling students in grades 9 to 12 from across northeastern and southeastern Connecticut.
“We are tying together classic musical theater and dance numbers from each decade, including crucial current events, so as to reflect how these events shaped the culture and history of our nation,” said Evans-Abbott. She added that the audience will be invited to participate periodically. “It should be a lot of fun for everyone,” Evans-Abbott said.
A sampling of the songs that will be performed in a karaoke style include “Can’t Help Lovin’ That Man of Mine;” “Anything Goes;” “Summertime;” “America;” “Aquarius;” “Ease on Down the Road;” “Seasons of Love;” and “I’m Still Here,” among many others.
The ensemble cast includes 14 ACT students: Brianna Anderson, Willimantic; Ishah Azeez, Plainfield; Alexa Drinkuth, Mansfield; Rachel Ellis, Norwich; Harold Gagne, Scotland; Andrew Lamotte, Plainfield; Hannah Meikle, Tolland; Emily Russell, Montville; Adrianna Simmons, Coventry; Sydney Stone-Baker, Tolland; Alexis Saulnier, Plainfield; Juliana Sliva, Brooklyn; Rachael Vroman, Chaplin; Tayon Kulos, Norwich.
Learn more about ACT at www.eastconn.org/act, or call 860-465-5636, ext. 1. ACT is recruiting students now for the 2016-2017 school year. Applications are online.
EASTCONN is a public, non-profit, Regional Educational Service Center that has been serving the educational needs of northeastern Connecticut’s schools and communities since 1980. Learn more at www.eastconn.org.