UT Tyler Performing Arts students are starring in “Once on this Island” April 7 and 8 in the Cowan Center.
Professors predict this is the first of many student performances open to the public. That’s because, starting this fall, UT Tyler will offer a Theatre Minor.
“We expect theatrical events like these to continue to grow and flourish on our campus in the years to come,” said Kyle Gullings, director of the School of Performing Arts.
Every ticket sold to this week’s performance builds the School’s efforts.
“People should attend the musical because the support we get through the attendance will help ensure that we can do more productions like this in the future,” Vocal Music Education Major Matty Brooks said.
Directed by the leader of UT Tyler’s Opera/Musical Theatre Program, Sooah Park, the musical tells the story of a peasant girl who uses the power of love to bring different social classes together. The original Broadway production ran 1990-1991, and the West End production won the 1995 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical.
“This performance is where all musicians and artists come together and represent who we are, what we do, what we love, and how we serve others with our talents,” Park said.
“Once on this Island” begins at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday in the Cowan Center. Tickets cost $15.
