DePauw presents ‘Songs for the Pandemic’ virtually Saturday

DePauw Theatre, in collaboration with the DePauw University School of Music, will be presenting a virtual musical as part of the 2020-21 season.

Presented in three parts, “Edges of Proximity: Songs for the Pandemic,” includes selections from “Edges” (music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul) and “The Theory of Relativity” (music and lyrics by Neil Bartram).

Part one, presented on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. on the DePauw Music YouTube, focuses on “Belonging.” With songs that range from finding your soulmate to fitting in with others, these selections look at what it means to strive to be part of a community.

Piper Nacke, a sophomore music major, shared her feelings about this project.

“Working on the musical this semester has been ... different, to say the least. I was nervous at first, because I wasn’t sure how things would go or how we could possibly replicate a musical virtually. That being said, this experience has been so important to me. Once we worked out all of the kinks and got the ball rolling, we all started to enjoy it much more. We live in an uncertain time, and being involved in something like this makes all of that a bit easier. I’m so glad we have the musical as another outlet to just make some music and have fun in such a strange time.”

“Being a part of this virtual musical project has given me specific challenges and tasks during a time that can sometimes feel quite unstructured and confusing, and that has been wonderful for me,” said Abby Brodnick, a junior vocal performance major. “I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to virtually coach with the directors and grow in my performing and acting abilities. I think the audience will really like this show! It has some truly hilarious, heartbreaking and show-stopping moments that are sure to come through to the audience despite the musical’s inevitable virtual setting.”

Steven Linville, director of productions at DPU and music director for the DePauw musicals said working in this virtual setting has been a learning experience.

“Compiling these works and creating a virtual musical has been a challenge, but has also been incredibly rewarding. The students have worked very hard – whether they are on campus or learning remotely. We’ve all learned some valuable lessons about making music and art in this virtual world.”

Tim Good, professor of communication and theater and director of this show, agrees, “‘Huzzah for skills, and technique, and problem-solving acumen!’ to quote one of my theater colleagues. The students worked with the production staff from the very beginning to come up with this piece of musical theater, and the very high quality of their work shows through in a beautiful way. So shines a good deed in a weary world.”

Part two (“Relationships”) will premiere on Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m., and part three (“Interwoven Lives”) will premiere on Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. All three parts will be on the DePauw Music YouTube.

Additional information is available on the DePauw Music and DePauw Arts Facebook.