Contact:

Megan Lynch
609-709-0633
mlynch24@elon.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MARCH 25, 2016

A Grand Night for a Performance

Students in the Department of Performing Arts at Elon University perform 60 minutes

of riveting musical numbers

ELON, N.C.Media Alert

What: Elon University students in the Department of Performing Arts will perform a

variety of different musical numbers of their choosing in a show called Grand Night. The

event showcases the students musical talent and how they have grown as performers.

Admission is $13 for the general public or free for Phoenix Cardholders. Reserve tickets by

calling 336-278-5650.

When: 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2

Where: Roberts Studio Theatre, Scott Studios at Arts West, Elon University

Details: About 80 students will participate in the 24th annual Grand Night musical

production. Grand Night is directed by Professor Catherine McNeela and musically directed

by Nathan Thomas. The students will perform 16 songs including Music of the Night" from

The Phantom of the Opera and Cat-like Tread from Pirates of Penzance. Each musical

number encompasses a wide variety of vocal ranges and ages from first-year students to

seniors.

Grand Night is a showcase of different numbers that are all student directed,

choreographed and performed. It is a very collaborative process, Tanner Mead, 19,

musical theatre major said. Grand Night is fun for everyone involved. It is not like a

musical where there is a story arc and a deep meaning. No one leaves Grand Night upset or

thinking it was a waste of time.

A current senior also will make a speech about the seniors time in the program before the

final number.

The final number holds significance to all performers in the Grand Night production.

Musical theatre major Brooke Banister, 19, said Grand Night is a final goodbye for the

seniors because its the last time they get to perform at Elon if they are not in a spring

musical or play. The last song performed by seniors is about passing on leadership to the

classes below them, she said.

About: Elon Universitys musical theatre program prepares undergraduate students to

take center stage after they graduate. Each year the department accepts 16 to 20 students

into the program to receive personal attention by mentors and teachers throughout their

time at Elon. Students admitted to the program audition separately into the program in

addition to applying to the university. The musical theatre majors are trained to become

performers skilled in voice, theory, acting and dancing. Grand Night is just one of several

opportunities musical theatre majors get to showcase their talent throughout their time at

Elon.