Made up of 26 singers/dancers, instrumentalists and tech staff members, the Wisconsin Singers perform roughly 40 shows a year – a challenging feat to balance considering the rigorous academic curriculum of UW-Madison. Their hard work has readied them for the performance of their show, STARSTRUCK!, on Friday. The show will be held at one of the best venues in Madison, the Overture Center for the Arts. It is the first time the group will perform in that theater, which has hosted professional musical tours like Wicked.
Founded in 1967, the financially independent non-profit Wisconsin Singers are “UW Madison’s Professional Entertainment Company” that performs at schools and venues across the Midwest. However, the group not only consists of singer/dancers, but also a business management team. Ten students are currently training in the areas of business, graphic arts, management, public relations and advertising within the entertainment industry. Whether as a performer or someone behind the scenes, director Robin Whitty-Novotny explains that it is a “hands-on experience.”
Novotny herself was a member of the Singers as an undergraduate and has been directing the group for just over 20 years.
“It brings me back; students have so much ownership over what they do, no egos,” she said. “They’re just typical college students who care deeply, work so hard and also have so much fun doing this. It’s just an energized place to be.”
Because they have fans of all ages, STARSTRUCK! boasts something for everyone. The group is choreographed by Chad Schiro, who has worked with John Stamos choreographing musical revivals on Broadway, and Angie Canuel, who is currently working with Hugh Jackman on his newest Broadway production. The show covers the last 40 years of American pop music and includes classic rock, Broadway numbers and current songs by Hollywood stars (need the Bieber be mentioned?). Plus, the band is showcased with their jazz and classical music medleys. And for all the Badger fans, there will be a “5th Quarter Show” full of everyone’s favorite game day jams from “Time Warp” to “Swingtown.”
The Singers have achieved much success over the years. This summer they placed fourth in the nationally televised “America Sings” competition against over 100 other singing groups. The entertainment company was also discussed in Mike Weaver’s book “Sweat, Tears, and Jazz Hands: The Official History of Show Choir from Vaudeville to Glee.”
One might think such a group would be comprised mostly of music majors; however, the members of Singers have diverse academic interests. Students pursue everything from engineering and biology to pre-law and communication.
Junior Bryce Mahlstedt is a communication arts major and the dance captain. He explained how he balances his need for an education with his passion for performing.
“It is truly a one of a kind experience I couldn’t find anywhere else,” Mahlstedt said. “I am also developing leadership skills that will help me later on in life by serving as dance captain on our student staff. But above all, my experience with Singers has been pure joy and fun, as I have created long lasting friendships and memories.”
Friday will be the first time the Singers perform at the Overture Center in their 44-year history. And just like any passionate group of performers, they are thrilled to be taking the stage.
Said Mahlstedt, “I am beyond excited; it is unbelievable to know that the Singers will be singing and dancing on a stage where hundreds of Broadway stars have done the same.”
Freshman and veteran performer, Mia Akers, said of the upcoming show and venue, “It is the perfect place for the Wisconsin Singers show, and anyone who comes to our performance will be blown away not only by how amazing the Overture Center is, but also by how amazing this year’s show is!”
The Wisconsin Singers perform STARSTRUCK!, at the Overture Center for the Arts on Friday, November 18th. All seats are reserved, $23 orchestra/$13 for balcony seats. Visit their website at www.wisconsinsingers.com for more information.
