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Manchester College
choir members sing
for your supper with
dinner theater
NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. (Jan. 22, 2004) - It's
called Dead Air, this latest dinner performance of the Manchester
College Chamber Singers. But don't expect men in tights, mischievous
medieval melodies or the traditional Madrigal dinner at the Feb 13-15
productions.
This original work is a murder mystery, with 20
characters - each portrayed by a Chamber Singer. Much of the performance
will take place among the dining audience, who also will have lots of
opportunity to participate and help solve the whodunit.
The story? In the midst of a storm, local radio
station WDUM-FM has lost power and must move across the street, into a
restaurant, to remain on the air. The radio program is jazz, and the
Dead Air characters/Chamber Singers are at the ready to ensure all
air time is filled with appropriate music - from "Stormy Weather" to
"Blue Skies" to "Misty" to "Java Jive."
Choral Director Debra J. Lynn wrote the skeleton
script for Dead Air, and the Chamber Singers fleshed out their
characters during auditions and rehearsals. Dead Air presents a
new challenge to the Chamber Singers, who are accustomed to a Madrigal
performance. In Dead Air, the singers must remain in character
throughout the evening and not just sing for the audience.
The student singers begged to try a dinner theater
production this year, said Lynn, who found composition of Dead Air
"a totally new experience." All are having good fun in rehearsals, which
makes it a sure bet the audience will be equally entertained. This
mystery also has a Valentine's Day theme, added Lynn, who is an
assistant professor of music at the college.
In addition to the Chamber Singers and some A
Cappella Choir members, the performers include senior Michael Good on
piano and Robert Lynn of the Huntington College faculty on bass.
The meal for the evening is chicken cordon bleu
with vegetables. The tables seat six, so audience members can come as a
group or join others at a table. Cost of the performance and dinner is
$15 per person, with a 10 percent discount for parties of four or more.
Reservations are required, at least 24 hours before the performance;
call 260-982-5427. Patrons may pay for their tickets at the door.
Tickets go very fast to this popular winter
offering of the Chamber Singers. Three performances of Dead Air
are scheduled: at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13 and Saturday, Feb. 14, and
at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15. All performances are in Winger Recital
Hall, on the east side of campus.
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