Gannon University Schuster Theatre gears up to open yet another production as the semester winds down.
“And the World Goes ‘Round,” the final show in Schuster Theatre’s season begins its last rehearsals before opening next week.
“And the World Goes ‘Round” is a musical revue of the hit music by John Kander and Fred Ebb. A compilation of songs from famous shows such as “Chicago” and “Cabaret,” this unique musical revue features the best of musical theatre history.
While “And the World Goes ‘Round” may be the last show for Schuster Theatre’s 2012-2013 season and some seniors, it is the first show for freshman environmental engineering major Zak Westfall.
“This is my first theatre production ever,” Westfall said. “It’s been a very interesting, completely new experience.”
Westfall said that he came in to Gannon not knowing anything about theatre so it can be difficult to have a basis.
“Being involved has changed my freshman year positively,” Westfall said. “I’ve had a blast getting involved and getting to know everyone.
“I’ve gained a sense of home here. Everyone at the theater was completely welcoming from day one.”
Make no mistake though, Westfall grants that at this time of the year opening a show is a lot of work.
“It’s stressful at times but anything that’s time-consuming can be; and I think it’s well worth it,” Westfall said.
Westfall encourages future freshmen to experience Gannon’s campus.
“Get involved from day one,” Westfall said. “If there’s something you want to do, do it.
“You’re not going to lose anything; you’ll only gain. For me it was theater, for someone else it might be sports.”
From singing and dancing to roller skating on stage, Westfall makes his debut at the Schuster Theatre performing some of musical history’s longest standing hits. Even with little theater knowledge Westfall said he attributes much to Kander and Ebb.
“‘And The World Goes ‘Round’ is about Kander and Ebb,” Westfall said. “It’s a tribute to them. We’re doing our best to honor their careers, which have shaped musicals and theater for years.”
Westfall can be seen making his theatrical start in “And The World Goes ‘Round” at 8 p.m. Thursday, April 25, through Saturday, April 27, and Thursday, May 2, through Saturday, May 4, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 5.
