Southeast Missouri State University musical theater students perform in Solo Recitals

Twelve students pursuing a bachelor's degree in musical theater will show their talents at the Southeast Missouri State University Department of Theater and Dance Solo Recital on Sunday in the Shuck Recital Hall.

The students come from the most advanced voice class and have worked on these songs the entire semester. The first Solo Recital was held this time last year and after filling the 150-seat Shuck Hall, was brought back by popular demand.

"We're making it annual because the audience response was phenomenal," said Judith Farris, the voice instructor who teaches the courses at Southeast.

Each student will sing two songs, accompanied by Beverly Reece on piano. All the songs are from a Broadway theater repertoire.

They will sing songs from newer Broadway Plays, to classics like "Til There Was You" from The Music Man and songs from Bye Bye Birdie.

Farris said the recital will last a little more than an hour. She said she holds this production closest to her heart.

"This is the culmination, I feel like, of everything I want these kids to do," she said. "They get the opportunity to get up and show the audience and themselves what they can do."

"And it's only the beginning for all of these students," she said.

The concert is free and starts at 3 p.m. in the Shuck Recital Hall in the Seminary Building on the River Campus.