UAF students star in FLOT’s 'All Together Now'

 

The Fairbanks Light Opera Theatre began its production of “All Together Now” on Nov.  12. UAF has its own connection to the event: More than half a dozen UAF students and alumni have been cast.

The event was originally created by Music Theatre International, and will be performed by over 2,500 theatres around the globe in celebration of local theatre.  Today is the last opportunity to see the show. 

Nikolas McGraw, a junior in UAF’s music education program and a member of the honors college, serves as the publicity manager for the production. McGraw will also be starring in the show which, he said, is less of a narratively driven musical than it is a conglomeration of beloved musical numbers, including “Take a Chance on Me,” “Let it Go,” “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” among others. 

But McGraw didn’t come to UAF with the idea that he would be performing in productions like “All Together Now.” In fact, his primary focus is on the cello. However, McGraw said that the music department, has made it clear that students are allowed and encouraged to engage in productions however they’d like, regardless of whether or not it’s a UAF sponsored event. 

“I am so excited and proud that our UAF music students are taking the time to find authentic performance opportunities outside of the department and supporting community theatre at the same time,” said Jaunelle Celaire, department chair and professor of voice. “It is nice to know that UAF Music students can support community theatre to sustain positive relationships along with being connected musically with one another.” 

Madeline Andriesen, a senior majoring in vocal performance and music education, will be starring in the production as well. She shares Celaire’s sentiment that productions outside of the university allow her to make connections and see how other theaters operate. 

These connections, and the production itself, are unique this year. “All Together Now” was created to celebrate local theatre at a time when theatres are struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Andriesen said this is one reason why she auditioned and is excited to be starring in it. McGraw and Andriesen will be joined on stage by alumni TJ Hovest and Sarah Hulac, among others.

The Fairbanks Light Opera Theatre has been putting together productions since 1970. Its very first production, “HMS Pinafore,” was held at Pioneer Park, then known as the Alaskaland Civic Center. Their most recent production was “Daddy Long Legs,” which was filmed at the Edna Wise Firehouse Theatre and was first streamed on August 15, 2021. It is available for streaming until August 15, 2022. 

The performance is available via streaming only and starts at 7 p.m. Tickets for the event are available online and can be purchased here.

For more information please contact Nik McGraw, Publicity/Program Manager and FLOT Board member at nvmcgraw@alaska.edu