Recital to spotlight Southeast Missouri State vocal stars

The most gifted vocalists in Southeast Missouri State University's Department of Theatre and Dance will present a series of traditional and contemporary solos during a Sunday recital at the River Campus.

The recital, free to the public, marks the sixth year the students enrolled in Class Voice for Musical Theatre III at Southeast will demonstrate their talents and skills learned in the course that teaches advanced vocal technique and principles for performing.

Judith Farris, the department's artist-in-residence and vocal director of the advanced class, said the students are the best in the department.

"This is a chance to see future Broadway stars for free," Farris said. "I expect many of them to be performing professionally one day."

As in previous years, the recital format will consist of each student singing a dramatic solo and performing another solo that will be in contrast to the first. The songs will range from traditional pieces by Irving Berlin and Richard Rodgers, to more contemporary works by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

Farris, a Cape Girardeau native and Southeast alumna, said those who have attended past performances have appreciated the format.

"It's theater but relatively informal," she said. "There's no scenery or costumes, and movement is at a minimum. The students will be performing from their souls to convey their emotions to the audience."

Patrons will have a chance to hear students in a setting other than the musicals that have been produced at the River Campus this season.

"People may have seen the class participants in the musicals but may not have had the chance to hear them as soloists," said Joe Mason, accompanist for the class. "This is their chance to do so."

Farris is proud of her students and of the effort they have been putting toward the recital. She also looks at it as a way for her to give something back to the place she grew up and calls home.

"I was born and raised in Cape and graduated from Southeast in 1971," she said. "I've performed with operas all over the country, but it was a pleasure to return to Southeast in 2005. I'm now in a position to give something back to the university and to the community."

The recital is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday in the Robert F. and Gertrude L. Shuck Music Recital Hall at the River Campus.

klewis@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO