University Singers prepare for annual production

Bright lights, swingin’ music and electric dance. This year’s University Singers production hopes to leave the audience smiling.

Every one will have a chance to see the annual show at at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday in John. R. Emens Auditorium.

Tickets are $15 for reserved seating, $10 for general admission and $5 for students.

“I want the audience to have fun with us. I hope they leave the theatre happy,” said Anita Rogers, a senior pre-medical and biology major and dancer with University Singers.

Rogers said she had been in show choir throughout high school, but when she reached college she didn't have time for it. She decided this year, her last year as an undergraduate, that her schedule had eased up enough for her to fit her passion for singing into it.

“We’ve become such a family,” she said. “This is the last show – its kind of bitter sweet, this is probably the last music performance I will be able to do ever.”

Jan Richard, who performed in one of the first productions by University Singers over forty years ago, has never missed a performance and demonstrates just how much of a family University Singers is. 

“I’m like the mother that looks out for everyone, they know they can call me twenty-four seven,” Richard said.

She said she still stays in touch with several of the students she has helped throughout the years. 

“Through the magic of Facebook I get to keep in touch with all of them – I get invited to more weddings than you can imagine,” she said.

Ryan Eads, who runs sound for the production, said he couldn't get away if he tried.

“Once you’re in, you’re in for life," he said.

Alan Alder, director and producer, said this performance is a review of the show the University Singers performed on one of their biggest opportunities in China.