Westfield State students to perform Broadway hits

Date: 10/31/2014

WESTFIELD – Students at Westfield State University will be performing a compilation of Broadway hits in the production “CARPE DIEM! Celebrating Broadway Songs of Old and New” on Nov. 1 and 2.

The students involved in the musical review are part of Dr. Sabine Macris Klein’s Music Theatre Workshop course.

“We started with ‘Broadway Dreams’ and we wanted to include this song of ‘Seize the Day,’ so we’re kind of connecting those ideas,” Klein said. “You’re following your dreams; you’re seizing the moment and seizing the day.”

This chance for the students to follow their dreams, as they apply to Broadway, is a special opportunity for many, as they may never get a chance to perform the songs otherwise.

“Instead, we let the students really have the freedom to sing the kinds of songs that really excited them that they don’t normally get to sing,” Klein said. “You know, not everybody gets to be Maria in ‘West Side Story’ so here’s our chance to take on that part.”

Klein has described the production as simple, as to focus the audience on the music, so there is limited narrative.

Songs from musicals like “Wicked,” “Les Miserables,” “Phantom of the Opera” and “Man of La Manche” are included in the show, but despite the hits on the song list, Klein is most excited for her students to enjoy the thrill of performing.

“They’ve had a chance to craft it and make it what they want it to be. I just want them to have fun with it,” Klein said.

The shows begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday on the Devers Stage. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students.