“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
Support City Pulse - Donate Today!
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here