OXFORD, Miss. – Theatre arts students at the University of
Mississippi cap the semester with the 27th annual
“Showstoppers” performances April 22-25 and 27 in Fulton
Chapel.
Performing a collection of Broadway songs and dances, the
students pay tribute to individuals behind the scenes in UM
musical theatre.
This year’s theme “Showmakers” features a cast of 30
students in 20 selections that honor “the men and women who
not only direct and choreograph but actually help conceive
either the idea or plotline for the shows,” said Rene
Pulliam, associate professor of theatre arts and the show’s
director-choreographer.
Curtain time is 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday with a 2 p.m.
matinee Sunday. Tickets are $10.50 for adults, $8.50 for
children and seniors, and $7 for UM students. They are
available by calling 662- 915-7411. Tickets are also
available at the UM Box Office in the Student Union or
online at http://www.ticketreturn.com.
“‘Showstoppers’ gives the students both an educational
experience and a performing experience,” Pulliam said.
“Because of the nature of the program, we get to explore
songs and dances and musicals from almost every era of
American musical theatre.”
The show includes pieces from the musicals “The Frogs,”
“Guys and Dolls,” “Once on this Island,” “West Side Story”
and “A Chorus Line.”
Sarah Hill, a senior theatre arts major from Collierville,
Tenn., performs in nine selections and choreographs three.
She said it’s impossible for her to choose a favorite
number.
“They are all so different,” she said. “It’s just fun to go
from one to the other and do something different in each of
them. It’s just a very lighthearted show.”
The students have been rehearsing for the show since
October, said Greg Flaherty, a junior theatre arts major
from Macon, Ga. This is Flaherty’s third year to be
involved with “Showstoppers” and he performs in eight
numbers.
“It is a recap of a lot of fun shows and the community
really enjoys it,” Flaherty said.
For more information or assistance related to a disability,
call 662-915-5816.
To learn more about the Department of Theatre Arts, go to