Northwest Mississippi Community College Theatre presents “Swing!”

Photo: Northwest Theatre auditions for “Swing!” in August. (Photo credit: Sarah Smith)

By Sarah Smith

Northwest Mississippi Community College’s Theatre Department presents the musical “Swing!” as this semester’s performance for two weekends starting Oct. 20 and 21 at 7 p.m., 21 and 22 at 2 p.m., 27 and 28 at 7 p.m., and 28 and 29 at 2 p.m.

“Swing!” takes you back to the golden age of big band and swing dancing. Be prepared to tap your toes along Glenn Miller and Andrews Sisters tunes while being transported back to the World War II era. “Swing!” was written by Paul Kelly and Lynn Taylor-Corbett with music from a variety of a musicians.

The musical has influences from swing style jazz, big bands, with mixtures of modern influences such as hip-hop influences. “Swing!” is a show that celebrates diversity and the beauty of a melting pot of culture.

Alyssa Algee, Northwest theatre instructor, explained that this is a jukebox musical which incorporates music that has been made previously and then revived as part of the storyline. The music in this show is hits from 1930s and 1940s mostly consisting of jazz and big band swing style.

“It is staged in a jazzy nightclub during WWII and is a celebration of life and hope,” Algee said.

This cast is made of almost of all freshmen, and Algee said she knows one thing about this show: it will be fun.

“Some things worth knowing are that we have four choreographers for this show, which has created a diverse and eclectic collection of styles for these students,” Algee said. “For the first time in about four years, we will have a live orchestra onstage, and for the first time ever, we are running for two weekends!”

Tickets are free with a NWCC ID or $10 for general admission.

To learn more about Northwest’s Fine Art’s department, please visit northwestms.edu/programs/academic/fine-arts-department.