Freshman Follies is a weekend of good memories for many students. Part of the fun is the challenge to create clever lyrics in line with the theme; this year’s freshman class will have to think retro for the 2009 theme, “Peace, Love and Follies.”

This psychedelic throwback came after a lot of planning and discussion between the Student Production Office and Tom Craig, director of student productions. The committee has been meeting together to look for a trendy and relevant concept for the show since last April.

“We wanted something fun that the students could relate to,” Craig said.

For some students, Follies is not just a fun way to bond with roommates and neighbors; it’s a family tradition.

“I have been really excited to be a part of Freshman Follies since I saw the show when my older sister was in it,” said Julie Tarter, freshman undeclared major from Shallowater. “My family really enjoyed getting to see her having fun with her new friends, and now I’m excited to get to show my family what I’ve been working on.”

The show’s peace-and-love atmosphere has been planned down to the last light – Craig said some tie-dyed props might be making an appearance on stage. Every student in the show has been hard at work, and even students not involved in the production can see it.

“I’m not in Freshman Follies, but I can definitely appreciate all of the work that kids are putting in to their acts,” said Charlie Holt, freshman biochemistry major from Idalou. “The guys on my hall are really trying to make their act stand out.”

Craig said the response to “Peace, Love and Follies” has been positive.

“People have been buying tickets online and e-mailing our office tons of questions,” he said.

Students, faculty, staff and parents have four chances to catch Freshman Follies in Cullen Auditorium: Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m., 3:15 p.m. and 8 p.m.