The UCF School of Performing Arts opens The World Goes ‘Round, a musical revue of songs by songwriting team John Kander and Fred Ebb. The production runs June 23 through July 2 on the Theatre UCF Main Stage.
Conceived by Scott Ellis, Susan Stroman and David Thompson, Kander and Ebb’s The World Goes ‘Round brings together a wide variety of song styles and dance numbers. Audiences can expect to see its five-person cast perform ballads, up-tempo songs, and vaudeville pieces from musicals like Cabaret and Chicago, and choreographies that include tap, tango, partner-work jazz and even roller skating. Classic favorites audiences can expect to hear include “New York, New York,” “Cabaret,” “Mr. Cellophane,” and “All That Jazz.”
“This is a song-and-dance extravaganza that is appropriate for the whole family,” Director Mayme Paul says. “I love Kander and Ebb’s music–it is the classical musical theatre music.”
Junior Benjamin Walton was surprised to see how many songs he was familiar with coming into the show. “When they handed us the sheet music at callbacks, it was nice to see that two of the songs were already in my audition book,” he said. “The one song I am especially excited for is ‘I Don’t Remember You/Sometimes a Day Goes By’. This was originally written as two solos, but for this show they were put together and it is one of the most beautiful pairings of songs I can imagine.”
For Paul, who has previously directed productions of Cabaret and Chicago, working with this particular group of actors is exciting. “They are very strong vocally, and also strong actors [who will] bring some emotional depth to some of the ballads,” she said.
She is also pleased to be helping further the students’ growth. “I’ve been in the business for a long time [and] I feel like I can pass on some of my experience to them.”
Walton also claims The World Goes ‘Round is unlike any he has ever worked on before for two reasons: its size and production. “I have never been able to part of a production with a small cast size, and I am looking forward to the intimacy that comes with a five-person show,” he said. “The structure is new to me because the show is a musical revue, and though I have always been a fan of the song cycle/musical revue structure, I have never had the honor to be a part of one.”
For more information about the UCF School of Performing Arts, visit http://performingarts.cah.ucf.edu
Event at a glance:
The World Goes ‘Round
Music by John Kander, Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Conceived by Scott Ellis, Susan Stroman, David Thompson
Directed by Mayme Paul
Dates: June 23, 24, 25, 30, July 1, 2 at 7:30 pm, June 26, July 2 at 2:00 pm (note: the second matinee is on a Saturday due to the holiday.)
Enter the world of distinguished and celebrated writing team Kander and Ebb. The World Goes ‘Round is a stunning revue of the songbook from the multi-Tony-award-winning team with the original production winning 3 Drama Desk Awards. Filled with humor, romance, drama, and nonstop melody, this title is a thrilling celebration of life and the fighting spirit that keeps us all going. Five individuals find themselves careening through the world of love, money, and coffee. From Cabaret to Chicago, the non-stop hit-parade features unforgettable gems including “Mr. Cellophane,” “Maybe this Time,” “Cabaret,” and “New York, New York”, seamlessly interwoven into a passionate, harmonious, up-tempo evening of musical theatre.
Price: $20 standard, $18 senior, $10 student
Location: Theatre, Main Stage (107)
4000 Central Florida Blvd, Orlando, FL 32816
http://www.performingarts.cah.ucf.edu
The School of Performing Arts at the University of Central Florida comprises the Music and Theatre departments. In addition to year-round performances and teaching on the UCF campus, the School presents performances and outreach in cooperation with our community partners, which include the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, the Orlando Repertory Theatre, and the Orlando Shakespeare Theater. For more information about attending performances visit http://performingarts.cah.ucf.edu
America’s Partnership University: The University of Central Florida, the nation’s second-largest university with nearly 60,000 students, has grown in size, quality, diversity and reputation in its first 50 years. Today, the university offers more than 200 degree programs at its main campus in Orlando and more than a dozen other locations. UCF is an economic engine attracting and supporting industries vital to the region’s future while providing students with real-world experiences that help them succeed after graduation.
For more information, visit http://today.ucf.edu.