By Matthew Fowler, Managing Editor
Newman University’s music department will premiere its performance of the musical, “Between the Lines,” based on the Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer novel of the same name, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday in the DeMattias Performance Hall.
Performances also will happen at 2 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday; at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, and at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9.
Deanne Zogleman, the director of the music department at Newman, said that she chose “Between the Lines” because she thought it dealt with many current issues. She said that the musical also was well suited to the skills of the student actors in the small department.
“I listened to the music, and I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, this is great,’” she said. “I always look for something wonderfully fun, yet relevant, that will make the audience think, and obviously, we want to entertain. I'm just blessed. I'm blessed with the kindest, most wonderfully talented cast.”
The musical follows Delilah, played by junior Alysha Keck, who is navigating difficult school and family changes while her connection to the characters of her favorite fairytale grows through fantastical means.
Zogleman said that she hopes the musical will shine light on the silver linings in many of the challenges faced in everyday life.
“I just think that with everything happening in the world today, this is a totally positive, uplifting musical that your life is going to be okay,” Zogleman said. “If you look at your reality and find the positive in it . . . your life isn't too bad after all, and it's just done in such a fun way.”
Admission to the musical will be free for Newman students. Adult tickets are $15; tickets for faculty, staff, seniors, and military members are $10; and students college age and below are $5.
PHOTO: Dannicka McGrath, Photographer
