Tickets on sale now for Singarama 2019
The 56th annual Singarama show "Bring the Family," hits the stage April 4
Anna Moseley |
This year’s performance of Singarama, will certainly be a family affair, with the 2019 theme “Bring the Family,” representing what students and alumni know has been going on for five decades: multiple generations of one family all participating in the annual student event.
For 56 years, families have gathered in Collins Auditorium to witness the culmination of dedication and talent that is Singarama: a variety show showcasing the artistic talents of their children and grandchildren. This year’s show begins on Thursday, April 4, at 7 p.m. and runs through Saturday, April 6, at 7 p.m.
Performers in the 2019 show, Emma Jane Clayton, sophomore public relations major, and Avery Roland, a junior molecular biology major are both the latest in their family’s Singarama dynasties.
Clayton’s grandmother, Dorothy Warren, performed in the first Singarama show during her senior year in 1964. Warren recalled the show’s theme, Club Chanté Singarama, and said that unlike the show this year, her performance had no choreography.
“I was in Singarama the first year it started,” said Warren. “Then for seven straight years I had at least one daughter in the show, and now I get to watch my granddaughter perform in the show. I think Singarama is a great opportunity for fellowshipping and I have loved watching my family perform.”
This year, Clayton, a member of Pi Delta social club, is performing in the show Good Times, directed by senior Amy Hurd, along with members of Tau Phi, Delta Nu, Gamma Lambda, Sigma Alpha, Sigma Omega Sigma and friends.
Roland, who is also performing in the Good Times show, recalled several family members sharing Singarama stories over the years including her grandfather, who performed in the second Singarama show; her father, who was a stage coordinator in the 25th show; and several aunts who performed in various shows over the years.
“I grew up knowing I wanted to be a part of the production team for Singarama,” said Roland. “My dad and my aunts told me it’s the best way to meet people and make friends outside your circle of friends, so this is my third year to participate in Singarama.”
Each of the three 2019 shows are inspired by a famous TV family sitcom. The other two shows this year are Perfect Strangers, directed by junior Tori Thurmond, and The Wonder Years, directed by senior Myron Sailors.
Laurie Sain, associate dean of student life and producer of the show, always looks forward to seeing alumni return to campus to introduce their families to Singarama, she said. This is Sain’s fourth year to produce Singarama, and even she incorporates her family into the show.
“I love getting to be a part of helping our students showcase their incredible talent,” said Sain. “I love working on Singarama with my very talented husband, Aaron Sain, who works with our hosts, hostesses and band.”
This year, the six talented students hosting the production are sophomore Hudson Parker, juniors Peytan Porter, Alexa Williams, Brittney Wood, Berkley Boglin and senior Luke Howard.
More than 16,000 students have participated in Singarama over the years. Students in each group develop storylines, write scripts, choose a minimum of eight songs and accompanying choreography, design sets and create costumes.
The shows, evaluated over four performances by a panel of 18 judges, compete in three categories (theme, music, and staging) and in overall sweepstakes points.
“Singarama is a fun show that will treat your family to a great story accompanied by entertaining singing and dancing,” said Sain. “Plus, you will get to see old friends who may have been on stage with you once upon a time.”
Showtimes are 7 p.m., April 4-6, with a matinee performance at 2 p.m. on April 6. To purchase tickets, call the Allen Arena Box Office at 615.966.7075 or purchase tickets online.