‘Spring into Broadway’ returns to raise money for scholarships

WELCOMING SPRING: Among those performing in the fifth edition of “Spring Into broadway” are, back row from left, Jennifer Sasser, Jillian Wheeler, Jennifer Romriell and Kami Richards. In front is Jessica Waite. The singers are performing “I Can Hear the Bells.” - Photo/KENN WHEELER

What does this all mean? Well, it means that spring is finally here, and that it’s a time to celebrate. And what better way to celebrate than to bring the entire family to the EOU theater program’s fifth annual musical theatre revue, “Spring Into Broadway II,” playing April 17-19 and 24-26 in the Schwarz Theatre on campus.

For the fifth year in a row, Eastern’s theater program has gathered a group of talented actors/singers to present an evening of song and dance, featuring the latest from Broadway as well as some old standards that never lose their appeal.

Directing student Denise Wheeler guarantees that this year will be the most fun that those attending will have had in the theatre.

“This year, we are doing bigger dance numbers, and featuring more exciting music than ever before”, Wheeler explains. “Each act opens and closes with fantastic dancing, choreographed by myself, Curtis Greenfield or theater student, Fune Tautala. We have many returning performers as well as some great newcomers. This year’s show promises to be the best yet.”

One of the most important aspects of the show concerns the fact that all money earned through ticket sales will go into a special scholarship fund for returning theater students.

Kenn Wheeler, EOU theater faculty member, explained: “Last year, we got the idea of using the proceeds of the show to provide scholarships for returning students. Through last year’s ticket sales, we raised about $2,500 and offered scholarships to six of our students. If we can sell out every performance this year, we can raise close to $5,000, and that would really help even more students.”

Returning from last year’s cast will be Kiel Fauske, Kenny Faust, Jennifer Romriell, Jennifer Sasser, Taylor Stanley, Tristan Stufflebeam, Fune Tautala, Jessica Waite, Jillian Wheeler as well as an appearance or two by Kenn Wheeler.

New to the cast will be Collin Hemphill, Sarah Pitney, Kami Richards and Charles Trowbridge.

“Together they form one of the strongest ensembles we have ever had,” the director pronounced confidently.

Because this is the fifth year of this Broadway musical presentation, the evening’s program will not only feature brand new musical numbers, but the return of some favorites from the previous years’ programs.

“We’ve brought one or two songs from each of the previous years’ line up, and for the most part we’re having the same people sing them,” Wheeler explained. “From last year’s show, we have brought back the most popular song of the night, ‘Stud and a Babe’ from the musical ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.’

“And we will be performing ‘Seasons of Love’ from ‘Rent’ for the third time. It has been one of the most popular songs we have ever done.”

New songs will include numbers from such musicals as “Wicked,” “Wonderful Town,” “The Wedding Singer,” “Footloose” and “Altar Boyz.”

All evening performances start at 8 with matinee performances at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for general audience members and $7 for students and senior citizens.

So call all of your friends and neighbors, Kenn Wheeler recommends, and come together to support the EOU theater program, help college students with their education and have a great night of family fun.