The UCF School of Performing Arts will present “The World Goes ‘Round,” a musical revue of songs by songwriting team John Kander and Fred Ebb. The production runs June 23 through July 2 on the Theatre UCF Main Stage.
Conceived by Scott Ellis, Susan Stroman and David Thompson, The World Goes ‘Round brings together a wide variety of song styles and dance numbers. Audiences can expect to see its five-person cast perform ballads, up-tempo songs, and vaudeville pieces from musicals such as Cabaret and Chicago, and choreographies that include tap, tango, partner-work jazz and even roller skating. Classic favorites that audiences can expect to hear include “New York, New York,” “Cabaret,” “Mr. Cellophane,” and “All That Jazz.”
“This is a song-and-dance extravaganza that is appropriate for the whole family,” director Mayme Paul said. “I love Kander and Ebb’s music–it is the classical musical-theatre music.”
Junior Benjamin Walton was surprised to see how many songs he was familiar with coming into the show. “When they handed us the sheet music at callbacks, it was nice to see that two of the songs were already in my audition book,” he said. “The one song I am especially excited for is ‘I Don’t Remember You/Sometimes a Day Goes By.’ This was originally written as two solos, but for this show they were put together and it is one of the most beautiful pairings of songs I can imagine.”
For Paul, who has previously directed productions of Cabaret and Chicago, working with this particular group of actors is exciting. “They are very strong vocally, and also strong actors [who will] bring some emotional depth to some of the ballads,” she said.
She is also pleased to be helping further the students’ growth. “I’ve been in the business for a long time [and] I feel like I can pass on some of my experience to them.”
Walton said The World Goes ‘Round is unlike any show he has ever worked on before for two reasons: its size and production. “I have never been able to be part of a production with a small cast size, and I am looking forward to the intimacy that comes with a five-person show,” he said. “The structure is new to me because the show is a musical revue, and though I have always been a fan of the song cycle/musical revue structure, I have never had the honor to be a part of one.”
Event at a glance:
The World Goes ‘Round
Music by John Kander, Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Conceived by Scott Ellis, Susan Stroman, David Thompson
Directed by Mayme Paul
Dates: June 23, 24, 25, 30, July 1, 2 at 7:30 p.m., June 26, July 2 at 2 p.m. (note: the second matinee is on a Saturday.)
Price: $20 standard, $18 senior, $10 student. (Tickets to this summer show are free to UCF faculty and staff.)