Performances of "Street Scene" at Andrews

Produced by the Andrews University Department of Music Singer Actor Studio, accompanied by the Andrews University Symphony Orchestra

Performances of "Street Scene" will take place in the Howard Performing Arts Center. (Photo by Anna Lucia Kim)

The Andrews University Department of Music Singer Actor Studio, accompanied by the Andrews University Symphony Orchestra, will present “Street Scene” in the Howard Performing Arts Center. Two shows will take place: Saturday, April 7 at 8:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 8 at 4 p.m.

“Street Scene” is a play by Elmer Rice that opened in 1929. It was an international success and received a Pulitzer Prize for shining light on issues centered around ethnic diversity and various forms of abuse—topics which remain incredibly relevant today. Kurt Weill, working alongside the poet Langston Hughes, created the opera/music theater version of “Street Scene” in 1949. During its run on Broadway, “Street Scene” received a Tony award. Kurt Weill, the composer, considered it the first truly American opera, blending the traditions of verismo opera with blues, jazz, gospel and more.

Charles Reid, director and associate professor of voice, says this is the largest scale production the Andrews Singer Actor Studio has produced thus far. From the size of the set to a cast of over 30 student performers accompanied by a full orchestra, the scope is likely the biggest event to have appeared at the Howard Performing Arts Center. In addition to the student performers, Street Scene features two guests: Michael Nixon, vice president for Diversity & Inclusion at Andrews University, and Johnny Boehlefeld, a local performer and frequent star of the South Bend Lyric Opera. Reid notes that the music is wonderfully Americana, featuring many popular styles, but what has surprised him most is how relevant the play is to current day discussions, even though it was conceived almost 100 years ago.

Reserve your tickets now at howard.andrews.edu. Regular reserved seating for this performance is $10, seniors (65+) and students $5, and children (<10) enter for free.  For additional information, contact the Howard box office at 269-471-3560. For a full season schedule of events at the Howard Performing Arts Center, visit howard.andrews.edu.

The Andrews University Singer Actor Studio offers students an environment to develop theatrical skills in addition to musicianship. The Andrews University Symphony Orchestra is the core ensemble of the orchestral program at Andrews University. Conducted by Claudio Gonzalez, the Symphony Orchestra travels within the Great Lakes region as well as internationally.