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Inside Out Breaks New Ground
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For the first time in APU
Drama history, an entirely original musical is taking the stage
and hitting the road. Inside Out, composed, written, and directed
by APU's Brian Mercer, Jason and Nolan Livesay '00, and David Takahashi
'02, has been written specifically for the drama ministry team to
"give Christians a quality vehicle to share the Gospel,"
said writer, lyricist, and director, Brian Mercer. |
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With the help of a few thick blankets,
the women's dressing room
became
a makeshift recording studio (left). Mercer looked on as
Takahashi set sound levels and prepared to record (right). |
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APU drama dazzled audiences three years ago with a powerful interpretation
of the Broadway hit Godspell. Originally planning to recast
the show and send it on tour this fall, the drama ministry team
went back to the drawing board when the rights to the show proved
unattainable. What may have first appeared as a stumbling block
has resulted in dreams come true. "I've wanted to do this for
15 years. Inside Out may have started as an alternative to
Godspell, but it's a completely different show," commented
Mercer.
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Amber Medin-Peacock '02 sang "More
Than Friends"
numerous times during the recording session (left). Mercer coaches
Medin-Peacock (right). |
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Perhaps the most exciting element of this fledgling production
is the trail being blazed in the recording studio. Transforming
the women's dressing room and Takahashi's bedroom into sound stages,
the team began creating the original soundtrack (known as a cast
or concept album) of Inside Out.
"I'm working with styles I've never been involved with before,"
said composer Nolan Livesay '00. "This is really good for me
as a musician." From jazz to rock to the show tune genre, Inside
Out is full of compelling music with poignant lyrics.
"I'm really looking forward to peoples' reactions," said
Medin-Peacock, "I hope they laugh and cry. I know that's how
I judge a good show—how far it takes me in both directions."
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| The second cast member to be recorded,
Thea Johnson '03, worked on "Get Right or Get Left" with
Jason Livesay '00, composer, as minor changes were made to the song
during the recording session. |
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Full-cast rehearsal begins August 13. The
premiere run of Inside Out is set for September 6-8 at 7:30
p.m. on the APU
stage, with a matinee September 8 at 2 p.m. Cast and crew are
striving to have CDs available for $15 opening night. |
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By Sarah Crowley '02
For comments or story suggestions, email Today at APU.
Azusa Pacific University, 901 E. Alosta Ave., PO Box 7000, Azusa, CA 91702-7000 | (800) 825-5278
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