Audiences can expect an evening of energy, emotion and student creativity as Elon University’s musical theater program prepares for its annual “Grand Night” showcase.
Held each year, “Grand Night” is a celebration of the program and a final sendoff for graduating seniors. It will be performed in Roberts Studio Theatre in Scott Studios from April 3-4.
Assistant professor of musical theater and faculty director Jacob Brent said the showcase carries emotional weight, especially for seniors preparing to leave the program.
“It’s really a celebration of our seniors,” Brent said. “It’s the last time they get to all perform together before we send them out into the world.”
“Grand Night” flips the traditional production model, with students leading the creative process and with faculty behind the scenes.
“The show is all completely student driven,” Brent said. “I’m sort of the one that’s just overseeing all of that, but it’s really all the students,”
This year’s performance includes a mix of musical theater pieces and reimagined songs, ranging from Broadway-inspired numbers to popular music selections.
Senior musical theater major Andrew France said the showcase gives him a level of responsibility as musical director and closes out his experience in the program.
“Something that’s really cool about ‘Grand Night’ is a trust that other students place in you to lead specific parts of numbers,” France said. “It’s kind of a cool, full circle moment.”
“Grand Night” can also be an opportunity for students to step into leadership roles and explore creative freedom beyond performing. Freshman Jakob Robinson said directing the freshmen class number has allowed him to experience a different side of theater-making.
“You’re not seeing the ideas of professors,” Robinson said. “You’re seeing students, freshman through senior year, direct and choreograph and perform the ideas of their own classes and their own peers.”
Robinson also said the role has also taught him an appreciation for the work done behind the scenes.
Elon musical theater freshman students rehearse vocals for songs from "The Great Gatsby" Broadway musical March 19.
Senior Gabriella Scarpace said choreographing a number for the first time has been both rewarding and bittersweet as she nears graduation.
“I’m happy that I’m growing and turning into the artist that I am and about to go into the real world,” Scarpace said. “But sad that I’m leaving my family.”
Freshman Allie Joseph said participating in “Grand Night” marks an important introduction to the program for newer students.
“This is kind of like our coming out in a way,” Joseph said. “Coming out into the world of Elon musical theater and I’m excited also to show the growth that we’ve already experienced just by being here one year.”
Brent said the showcase also offers audiences a chance to witness the level of talent within the program in an intimate setting.
“You’re going to see amazing talent,” Brent said. “A lot of our students graduate and they go on to New York or LA and go on to television shows and Broadway shows. So, you’re really seeing the top talent of the industry here, and you get to see it in the black box.”
“Grand Night” will run with evening shows at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. April 3 and 4 in Robert Studio Theatre in Scott Studios. All tickets are currently sold out but more information on a waitlist can be found on the Elon Performing Arts website.