Song and dance show has ‘Got Your Number’
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Monday, January 31st, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
UNION COUNTY – (Release from EOU) Get ready for a cacophony of choreography and classic popular music tracks from all over the musical map with “We’ve Got Your Number,” a multi-genre musical performance and Eastern Oregon University Chamber Choir’s first live show of 2022.
This one-of-a-kind production, sponsored by Red Cross Drug, runs Feb. 4 and 5 in McKenzie Theatre, and features choreographed tracks that range from Bruno Mars to “Hamilton.”
“We have arranged the selected songs in numerical order and tied them together to allow for a wide range of musical styles and expressions,” said Music Professor and Chamber Choir Director Peter Wordelman.
Rehearsals began on Jan. 4, with choreography practice starting Jan. 7. Nearly 40 choir students are involved.
“It’s designed so that all of the students sing a solo at some point. We also all sing as a group,” Wordelman said.
“We’ve Got Your Number” features 22 songs, which will be performed as a one-act show, opening with a verse from “One Voice” by Wailin’ Jennys and concluding with “Seasons of Love” from “Rent.”
“The way it’s balanced is never to have four or five songs in a row that you’re ever going to be like, ‘Eh, I wasn’t a big fan of that one.’ We try to intermix the genres so that there’s a little bit of something for everyone’s musical tastes,” choir student Austin Nash said.
The entire ensemble is learning complex choreography, and 25 students have taken on special parts for select songs. Los Angeles-based choreographers Bill Rugh and Michelle Benton are teaching the choir’s choreography.
“If you think about this whole production, Austin’s job for the production is to learn all of the singing, movement and the moving of props as needed. We know that he’s going to know his solo parts so we don’t have to worry about that. But you have to piece all of that together with 38 people,” Wordelman said.
During a rehearsal on Jan. 12, the choir focused on synchronization for “One” as performed by the Three Dog Night, going through hand motions, stances, and walking on stage as a group.
“It always feels like it’s not going to come together until the end, and then everything comes together and it works … by the time the show rolls around, it will have all come together,” Nash said.
Tickets are on sale now for “We’ve Got Your Number,” playing at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, and at 3 and 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 5, in McKenzie Theatre in Loso Hall on EOU’s campus. Admission costs $8 for adults and $7 for students and seniors. Group tickets cost $6 each when you purchase 10 or more. Group tickets must be purchased in-person. Tickets are available at Red Cross Drug, in the EOU Bookstore and online at eou.edu/music/weve-got-your-number. Masks are required for all audience members.Prepare for the world beyond college with Eastern Oregon University’s high-quality liberal arts and professional programs. Classes are available when and where you need them – at our main campus in La Grande, online almost anywhere in the world or onsite at our centers across the state. Educational, cultural and economic growth is important to our region, state and nation. That’s why we are committed to providing a personal, student-centered experience in all that we do. Visit eou.edu for more information
