The Wanda L. Bass School of Music opened the first musical of this semester.
“Closer than Ever,” written by Richard Maltby, Jr. and composed by David Shire opened at 8 p.m. Feb. 26 in the Burg Theatre.
Chuck Koslowske, the production’s music director, said the production’s team and cast made the process wonderful.
“The attitude of the cast and production staff has made this production so smooth,” Koslowske said. “The dedication the company has put forward these weeks is really something special.”
Koslowske said the show displays a lifetime of experience and challenges. He said problems people face in their midlife are seen throughout the performance. He said he believes the show has messages of unity and that people share more in common than they think.
“Our students are having to portray characters with different life experiences than their own,” Koslowske said. “I don’t think this range of emotion is much different than what a young adult might be going through.”
Koslowske said there are only ever four performers on stage at a given time, along with a pianist.
“In the Burg, we are only allowed five people on stage due to distancing and restrictions,” Koslowske said.
Hailey Palmer, music theater sophomore, plays “Woman 2” in the show. She said she felt confident with the current safety protocols during rehearsals.
“Rehearsal has been a safe process for me,” Palmer said. “Stage management has done a great job of keeping with social distancing and frequent sanitizing breaks.”
Palmer said the show contains lots of ups and down and authentically depicts life as it is. She said she hopes audience members will be surprised.
“Expect the unexpected,” Palmer said. “The show truly has a range of emotion and will take you on a journey.”
Chris Richie, music theater junior, plays “Man 1.” He said he is most excited to explore the question of, “what if,” presented in the music of the show. He said the show also explores the consequences of choices people make.
“The show depicts choices we make throughout the course of our lives,” Richie said. “Life is full of paths that lead to who we become.”
“Closer Than Ever” was streamed on the School of Music website at 8 p.m. Feb. 26. It will stream again at 8 p.m. Feb. 27. Readers can purchase tickets on the School of Music’s streaming portal.
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