Wilkes University Theatre Presents And the World Goes ‘Round Nov. 14-17

Wilkes University Theatre Presents And the World Goes 'Round Nov. 14-17

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Wilkes University presents their next theatre production, And the World Goes 'Round, which opens Thursday, Nov. 14 through Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts. A musical revue, this production celebrates the work of the infamous Broadway songwriting duo, John Kander and Fred Ebb. Timeless numbers will be featured from iconic shows such as Cabaret; Chicago; New York, New York; and Kiss of the Spider Woman.

Wilkes University will be taking the audience on a musical escape, singing and dancing across many themes of love, romance, heartbreak, drama and humor, invoking inspiration and emotions across the board. Classic songs like "All That Jazz" and "Maybe This Time" will captivate the audience as they showcase the talent, hard work and dedication of the production crew, cast, live pit orchestra and leadership of director, Jon Liebetrau, associate professor of theatre and chair for the Division of Performing Arts.

"It's a very heartwarming, thoughtful and funny musical revue with a lot of classic favorites. All the songs remind us that no matter what happens, whatever struggles, whatever our victories, the world will go 'round," said Liebetrau. Not only will great classics be featured, but they will also be performed in their own unique way, creating a new perspective and going off the beaten path with what might be traditionally expected.

Putting on a musical revue, especially of this caliber, has been quite an interesting challenge for students. With the variety of musical numbers, each representing its own scene and world, it requires back-to-back different styles of song, quick costume and set changes, and is constantly in motion. Innovation was certainly a big component set-wise and required thinking outside-the-box on how this production could be adapted from Broadway onto the Wilkes stage.

Kasey Karoll, a senior musical theatre major and dance minor from Stewartstown, Pa., is the associate choreographer for the show and a cast member. "Being the point of contact for all choreography, choreographing a number of my own, being part of the creative team and performing in the show has been an amazing experience," said Karoll, who claims this is the biggest responsibility for a show that she's ever had - at and outside of Wilkes.

Rehearsal for the show began less than a month ago, and for Karoll, it's the first show for her as a Wilkes student where music and dancing has been heavily involved in this way. Learning all the different types of music and choreography was a welcomed challenge, and Karoll believes everyone will find something that resonates with them. From ballads to fun up-tempo numbers, from tap to jazz dances, "The audience will feel happy; they're going to laugh, they might even cry," said Karoll. "It's just beautiful."

A major theme around the show is that, no matter what happens, there is hope and that the world will indeed keep going 'round. For Karoll, it also feels personal and comes full circle. "My first year at Wilkes, I performed the song "All That Jazz" when we produced the show Chicago. And now, I get to be the lead of that same number my senior year," Karoll said, beaming.

Cast: Charlie Cain; Caleb Flannery; Gabbi Howe; Kasey Karoll; Alby Lopuhovsky; Maddie Meier; Sarah Pugliese; Rocco Pugliese; Bella Ruiz; Cally Williams

Director: Jon Liebetrau
Musical director/conductor: Joshua Harper
Choreographer: Alison Morooney
Scenic and lighting designer: Vandy Scoates
Production stage manager: Lavender Ibrahim
Costumer designer: Lisa Streett-Liebetrau
Technical director/sound design: Lee Corcoran-Michaels
Assoc. Lighting Designer: Caleb Gething
Assoc. Choreographer: Kasey Karoll

And the World Goes 'Round

8 p.m. on Nov. 14, 15 & 16
2 p.m. on Nov. 16 & 17

Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts, 239 South River Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Tickets are available online at wilkes.edu/theatre. Cost is $20 for general admission, $15 for non-Wilkes students/senior citizens and free for Wilkes students, faculty and staff. The box office will open one hour before curtain for purchases in person.

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For more information, visit wilkes.edu/theatre or call 570-408-4540.