Home > Music Notes > Archives > 2008 > October > 29 > Entry
SPOTLIGHT! Spoofs Election on Nov. 3
I’m ready for the elections to be over. The campaigns this year have been more unpleasant and stressful than any I can remember. One of the best ways to relieve stress is to laugh. On Mon. Nov. 2 (the day before elections), McLennan Community College’s music theatre ensemble SPOTLIGHT! will present an evening of political satire on the 2008 elections. The family friendly program will last about one hour beginning at 7:30 pm in the Ball Performing Arts Center. Admission is FREE.
The bi-partisan musical program features familiar Broadway tunes with slightly different words that are witty, comical, and even thought provoking. The altered lyrics reflect campaign issues such as gas prices, the economy, stem cell research, homeland security, the environment, Iraq, pro-choice/life, the importance of voting, and the privileges we have as Americans. The students have written many of the lyrics including ‘All That Gas’ (All That Jazz) from Chicago, ‘Mamma Mia, Time To Vote Again’ from Mamma Mia, ‘You’re The One That I Want’ from Grease and ‘Vote for the Best’ (All for the Best) from Godspell. There are additional songs from Aida, Guys and Dolls, Cabaret, The Producers, My Fair Lady, and many more Broadway shows. Obama, McCain, Palin, Condolezza, Hillary, Bill, and other “wanna-bes” will all be heard on the MCC stage.
The director of the 13 member SPOTLIGHT! is Dr. Karen Albrecht. Karen also directs the annual MCC musical, teaches voice and diction at the college. She has a Ph.D. in music education and voice pedagogy from University of North Texas. MCC music and theatre students are very fortunate to have such a talented and enthusiastic instructor. In addition to decades of teaching experience, Albrecht has performance experience in opera, music theatre, and concerts in the United States and Europe. She has also presented numerous lectures at state-wide and national conferences including TETA and TMEA.
Comments
By Spotlight Alum
October 30, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this
I was a proud member of Spotlight for three years at McLennan and the last installment of Spotlight on the Elections was a huge success thanks mostly to Dr. Albrecht. She believes in the students and in musical theatre as an art form which is apparent when you attend their latest side-splitting installment of Spotlight. It is sure to be a wonderful evening of satire and fun. If CNN, NBC, Fox News and C-SPAN were a musical this would be it!
By Corydon Merritt
October 30, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
SPOTLIGHT! is an incredible outlet for young, talented students. Dr. Albrecht is a remarkable teacher and pushes her students to their greatest potential. The Waco community is fortunate to have the opportunity to see these students at this stage in their learning process. Many of them will go on to New York, LA, Austin, etc. to pursue their dreams of acting, singing and dancing. I encourage all readers to support the MCC arts by attending a performance by SPOTLIGHT! Corydon Merritt
By Dennis Hensel
October 30, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
I have attended the Spotlight performances over the past couple of years and have been very impressed by the talent these students have. The entire production is professional quality. I can’t wait to see this year’s political spoof.
By Jamie Price
October 30, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
SPOTLIGHT! was were I got my first exposure to Musical Theatre in College. As a matter of fact, in the Fall of 1999, I was in the first season of the organization. It’s impact on me as a professional performer in New York City has been invaluable. Not only is it a great learning experience for all the students involved, but it provides a great evening of entertainment to anyone lucky enough to see one of their performances. Dr. Albrecht is one of my heros!
By roy Blizzard
October 31, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
My girls have been in spotlight for a couple of years and we’ve been impressed with the quality and showmanship of all involved. We can’t wait to see this years performance.
By Alumni
October 31, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
SPOTLIGHT is something everyone should see and try to be apart of! SPOTLIGHT! is the only real flair of what NY theatre is all about.
By Donna Blizzard
October 31, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
My cousin in NY has a Broadway PR company and manages stage stars. My 3rd cousin Drucilla Strain was a Ziegfeld Follie. She was married to famous Texan trumpet player Charlie Teagarden; also brother of Jazz great Jack Teagarden(trombone). He played with Louie Armstrong, Paul Whiteman orchestra, etc. Saying all this, coming from a family in the know, the quality of shows at this college is outstanding! Especially from a Community College! WoW! My daughter Dani is in this show. Break a leg kids!