It’s going to be “A Grand Night for Singing” at Grand County High School beginning Wednesday, April 23. Three “grand nights,” to be exact.
Music and theater lovers of all ages are invited to attend Moab’s first-annual Broadway revue, or multi-act performance that combines music, dance and theater.
Inspired by the original Broadway production, which showcases tunes from “The Sound of Music,” “Oklahoma!” and “State Fair,” “A Grand Night for Singing” will feature performers as young as 7 years old.
“I want there to be more family-friendly entertainment in Moab,” said Bonnie Nielson, who is directing the upcoming revue. “I’m really hoping these nights will show the community that there can be more than just entertainment with adult content. We need events that we can bring our children to.”
Nielson, a mother of four, currently teaches music at the Moab Charter School.
“Music is my love,” she said. “I love to sing and perform, and I love when other parents thank me for giving their kids the opportunity to be involved in the performing arts as well.”
Joining Nielson in this production is Maralee Francis, who has been teaching drama at GCHS since 1997.
“It’s been really fun to give kids this opportunity at a young age,” Francis said. “It causes their interest level to rise.”
Children won’t be the only ones involved in these musical numbers. GCHS English Teacher David Bryson, who will be performing “On the Street Where You Live” from the 1956 Broadway musical “My Fair Lady,” is new to the Moab community theater scene.
“We’re creating entertainment in the Moab valley that’s family-centered,” Bryson said. “It’s a chance to expose everyone to different musical facades, specifically from Broadway.”
Francis is also looking forward to seeing the community’s involvement.
“It’s great to include more of our adult population with a love for musical theater,” she said.
Francis, who earned her degree in drama and has been involved in Moab’s community theater scene for the last 30 years, will be performing “A Mother Doesn’t Matter Anymore” from “Bye Bye Birdie.”
Nielson will also take a place in the spotlight. In addition to directing the revue, she will perform “Memory,” a show tune from the 1981 musical “Cats.”
No stranger to the stage, Nielson has been performing since she was 3 years old. She studied music in college and has starred in musicals such as “She Loves Me” and “Bye Bye Birdie.”
Bryson said the production will be fast-paced, with each age group performing together, respectively.
The high school jazz band, directed by Don McGuire, will be playing prior to the show’s first act, which will begin at 7 p.m. and consist of an ensemble cast performance.
More than 50 auditions for the show took place last month.
Ten-year-old Arthur Hawks has been rehearsing for his upcoming performance.
“I like going there,” he said. “It’s so fun.”
Other performers include high school students Asia Nielson, Kaytlyn Young, and Joshua Nielson.
Asia Nielson said she feels that this is an excellent opportunity to bring the community together.
The production, which will take place at the GCHS Auditorium, will include more than 20 musical numbers from groundbreaking musicals such as “West Side Story,” “Annie,” “The Sound of Music” and “Oliver!”
Tickets will be $8 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens. They can be purchased at the door.
All proceeds will go toward the high school’s performing arts budget.
Performance combines music, dance and theater
“I want there to be more family-friendly entertainment in Moab. I’m really hoping these nights will show the community that there can be more than just entertainment with adult content. We need events that we can bring our children to.”
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, April 23-25
Where: Grand County High School Auditorium, 608 S. 400 East
Cost: $5-8 at the door (all proceeds go to GCHS performing arts)
