Freed-Hardeman’s annual production of Makin’ Music is set for April 1-2, 2011. This year’s theme, “No Day But Today,” is meant to encourage people to take advantage of the day they have been given. It is taken from a line in the show’s opening number, “Finale B,” from the Broadway musical Rent.
More than 600 students will be involved, onstage or backstage, in the musical extravaganza. All six of Freed-Hardeman’s social clubs will present an original number. Each performance is designed to tell a story through music, lyrics, and choreography. From four to six student directors plan each show, and 60 to 90 members will execute each entry onstage. Clubs will be judged in five categories: blocking and staging, vocals, costume and set design, lyrics and entertainment value. They will also have to execute and clear the stage in less than seven and a half minutes.
In addition to the club shows, six students will serve as host and hostesses for the event: Bradley Gean, Travis Young, Rachel Weaver, Allison May, Victoria Botts, and Leah Young. These six students will sing a variety of musical pieces between the club shows. Although the focus of Makin’ Music has always been the club shows, the hosts’ and hostesses’ performances are often just as highly anticipated. Three student emcees will introduce performances this year: Wayne Scott, Justin Smith and Ray Baker. The show band, directed by Steve Browning, will feature ten student musicians.
Freed-Hardeman students lead all aspects of the show. Three student coordinators, Ansley Goodman, Austin Painter and Eric Gott, are the primary organizers, but students are also in charge of the patrons, judges, merchandising, hosts and hostesses, program and backstage management.
Tony Allen, Freed-Hardeman’s dean of student life, produces the show and he is confident Makin’ Music 2011 will not disappoint. “I am very excited for everyone to see what the students have put together. They have been working on these shows for nearly a year, and I am extremely proud of what they have done,” he said.
All performances will take place in Loyd Auditorium on the FHU campus. Friday and Saturday evening shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. and the Saturday matinee will start at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $16.25 for Friday night and the Saturday matinee. Tickets for Saturday night’s show, when winners will be announced, are $21.25. Tickets should be purchased in advance at MakinMusicTickets.com. For additional information or assistance, email makinmusic@fhu.edu.