Take a trip through time with the University of Chester Drama Society in a new production set to take centre stage at Storyhouse next week.
The Evolution of Broadway will transport audiences to 1940s New York where they’ll meet a mysterious guide who’ll take them on a magical, musical tour of some of the finest shows to grace the city that never sleeps.
Featuring musicals that span the decades from 1946 right through to the current day, this variety show has been designed, written, choreographed and directed by students from the University and stars all members of the Drama Society.
The story linking the musicals together has been written by director Victoria Fox, who studies Theology and Counselling, while musical direction is in the hands of society president Olivia White, a Primary Education student.
Victoria said: “The Evolution of Broadway follows the life of a theatre owner as he welcomes various musicals at his playhouse. It spans the history of Broadway, showing how musicals have changed over the years and how the boundaries have never stopped being pushed by their creators.”
The idea for the production came from show choreographer Natasha Davenport, an International Tourism Management student.
She said: “Our society performs two shows every year – one being a musical, and the other a variety show created completely from scratch by the committee. My inspiration for this show was to bring classic Broadway back into our drama society.”
Show designer Marta Switon, who studies Animal Behaviour and Psychology, said the group has been rehearsing for the show all term and can’t wait to step out on to the stage at Storyhouse.
Marta said: “Performing at Storyhouse is a wonderful opportunity. When our members found out, their reactions were so great to see. Everyone is really excited, but it is nerve-wracking at the same time.”
Olivia added: “Storyhouse is a massive step up for us – it’s the opportunity of a lifetime. Storyhouse is a wonderful organisation and the people behind it have made this a very special occasion for us. We can’t thank them enough.”
The Evolution of Broadway takes place at Storyhouse on Tuesday, January 28 and Wednesday, January 29, 2020. The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets, priced £5, can be booked at Storyhouse
All proceeds from the event will be donated to Cancer Research UK and The Alzheimer’s Society.
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