KU News Release

Students perform musical revue to benefit Douglas County AIDS Project

LAWRENCE — University of Kansas students enrolled in the Musical Performance for the Actor class will perform in a benefit for the Douglas County AIDS Project titled “Really?!” Performances are at 3 and 6 p.m. Sunday, May 4, at the Inge Theatre in Murphy Hall. The production is co-sponsored by Headmasters salon of Lawrence.

John Staniunas, associate professor and chair of the Department of Theatre and Film, who conducts the musical theatre course, said this is the third year his students have performed a musical revue as a benefit for DCAP.

“One of the things I stress in the class is that performers need to give back to their community,” he said. “We have raised $3,000 annually for two years and hope to raise $5,000 this year. And, in addition to the sheer joy of performing, these students can receive KU service learning credit for their involvement in the revue.”

Staniunas is staging the performance with musical direction by Barbara Puckett, accompanist for the University Theatre. Lighting design is by Nick Kostner, Murdock graduate student. The stage setting for the production includes large panels donated by Roger Shimomura, KU distinguished professor emeritus of art.

All the songs in the show come from well-known Broadway musicals, but with a spin to them.

“All the songs, if taken out of the context of their own shows, will raise the audiences’ eyebrows and make them say, ‘Really?!,’ ” Staniunas said. “For example, I have four young men singing ‘I Feel Pretty’ from ‘West Side Story.’ ”

Other songs in the show include “Closer Than Ever,” “110 in the Shade,” “High Society,” “Pins and Needles,” Sideshow” and “Show Boat.”

“We have a rendition of ‘Ol’ Man River’ you’ll never forget,” Staniunas said.

Tickets for “Really?!” are available at Headmasters, 809 Vermont St., and can be reserved by calling 843-8808. Admission is $50, which includes two tickets and a haircut at Headmasters.

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