Aspiring performers on the Great White Way will offer a free “Broadway in Review” performance at 2 p.m. July 27 in Breedlove Auditorium at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith as the finale for a week-long Academy of the Arts summer camp.

 

The show is free and open to the public. It is part of an event called Xtreme Artz KidFest and is the conclusion of Summer Camp Explozion, a musical theatre performance camp with studies in music, theatre and dance.

 

Dr. Rosilee Walker Russell of Fort Smith, executive director of the Academy, said a total of 70 students ages 5-14 will perform their favorite Broadway tunes in the show. She said the July 27 musical production is "a brilliant insight into what young people can do when they’re prompted to learn."

 

Shannon Stoddard of Fort Smith is directing the production. Serving as musical director is Gini Law of Fort Smith, with Jennifer Woodside Anderson of Fort Smith as choreographer. Stoddard agrees that the audience will enjoy the show.

 

"The lights are bright on our Broadway set,” said Stoddard. "But the most brilliant part of this production will be the smiles on these children in the limelight. It’s hard to describe the joy of hearing show tunes coming from the hearts of children.”

 

Tunes for the production come from “Aristocats,” “Seussical the Musical,” “Annie,” “High School Musical,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “The Music Man,” and many more.

 

“These are timeless tunes and enduring lyrics,” Stoddard said. “This is perfect entertainment for the whole family.”

 

The performance ends with a reception, which will include information about upcoming Academy programs. A number of Academy faculty will also be on hand to answer questions about fall activities.

 

The Academy of the Arts provides preschool through high school opportunities for artistic enrichment. The Academy currently offers a preschool program, instrumental ensembles, choral and theatre programs, private music lessons and an art program.

 

For more information, contact administrative specialist Sarah Taylor by email at sarah.taylor@uafs.edu or by telephone at 479-788-7253.