Getting back to rock's roots

“This year, I decided to do the roots of rock and roll, and that encompasses a lot of different styles. The audience is going to hear gospel, ragtime, jazz, blues and, of course, rockabilly.”

Numbers include “His Eye is on the Sparrow/Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” a rousing gospel medley from "Bubbling Brown Sugar," “Blue Suede Shoes” and Great Balls of Fire” from "Million Dollar Quartet" and “Tear Down the House” and “Steal Your Rock & Roll” from "Memphis."

In the past, Smith has created shows including “The Biz,” which examines show business, “The Mating Game,” which looked at relationships and “Swing City,” set in a 1940s jazz club.  All of her shows include music that’s pulled from Broadway musicals or other musical shows.

“Jumpin’” uses a 17-member cast to tell the story of rock’s formative years.

“The cast members are part of the creation of this story,” Smith said. “When you’re in a pre-existing show, you tend to know what you’re working with: You develop your character with your director. But here, we’re creating characters and we’re exploring them.”

‘The Joint is Jumpin’’

Lansing Community College
Dart Auditorium

8 p.m. Friday, April 13 and Saturday, April 14; 3 p.m. Sunday, April 15

$10 donation at the door

lcc.edu