Following previous performances of musicals, such as The Little Mermaid and Seussical: The Musical, the theatre club, Alpha Psi Omega, is putting on the annual performance of the 24 Hour Musical.
The 24 Hour Musical is exactly as it sounds; cast members are unaware what they sign up to perform until 24 hours before the show takes place. Every year, theatre majors and non-theatre majors alike audition in December to take place in the show that is put on in January.
Unlike cast members, crew members know ahead of time what show is and are working on pre production behind the scenes.
‘We’ve already bought the rights, started blocking and planning out the set as well as costumes and everything,” co-director, junior theatre major Katie Macune said.
Cast members, as seen in years past, oftentimes forget lines, dances as well as carry their scripts on stage leading to a performance unlike many audience members would typically expect from ACU Theatre.
“You’re not allowed to go home at all, it’s like a giant sleepover,” co-director junior english education major Cheney-Lynne Emberg said, “I remember my freshman year during the Wizard of Oz, I was so exhausted I don’t even know if I was dancing. I just remember being on stage laughing to myself because I was so tired.”
Tickets for the musical are a hot commodity every year and all of the proceeds from the show are sent to non profit organization Living Water International. Living Water International, based out of Houston, brings water systems to developing countries where there normally isn’t clean water.
“It’s not a lot for admission and they get to see a really fun show and know whatever they pay or deonate is going to a good cause,” Macune said.
Since the show itself is put on by APO (Alpha Psi Omega) and not the actual theatre department, non theatre major students are allowed to audition and be a part of the show.
“I love that a lot of non-majors are encouraged to come out,” sophomore theatre major Nora Vellis said. “I think that sometimes that the department spends so much time together that we get locked into our own little bubble. I feel like this is a way for other people to come see us and see what we’re all about but also an opportunity for us to branch out and meet new people.”
The show itself will take place on Jan. 26 and is open to all who wish to pay a small price of admission to watch the hilarity ensue.
