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��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ mourns passing of DeBow

trevor.kenney — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:19:30 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Community offers its most sincere condolences to the family, many friends and colleagues of the late Dr. Shirley DeBow, a Lethbridge-based community volunteer, social worker and educator who served as the 10th Chancellor of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge from 2003 – 2007.

Shirley passed away on Monday, March 25, at age 68.

She is survived by her husband Gerald DeBow, and their three children – Jeremy, Suzanne and Adrienne – and their families.

A memorial service has yet to be confirmed.

This notice will be updated as additional information becomes available.

Shirley served the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and broader community with enthusiasm, good humour and dedication, and participated in a host of community activities as Chancellor that served to strengthen the relationship between the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and the Lethbridge community at large.

She served on the U of L Senate from 1993 to 2001, as well as a number of U of L-specific committees and groups, and received an Honorary Degree from the U of L in 2008 for her extensive community service efforts.

During her time as Chancellor, she either hugged or (was hugged by) more than 6,000 students who were welcomed into the U of L family and helped establish the Senate Volunteer award, as well as an endowed Senate Scholarship for students, among other outreach activities.

"The U of L has long been fortunate to have strong community support and committed volunteers and Shirley DeBow was very much one of those people," said Dr Bill Cade, who served as U of L President during Shirley's term as Chancellor.

"She devoted much time and effort to ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ activities over the years, especially in her role as ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Chancellor. This was a job that Shirley loved and was ideally suited for. She performed her duties with much class and with genuine interest in the well being of our students.

Cade said that Shirley also served as an outstanding ambassador for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and worked tirelessly with the broader southern Alberta community to advance the U of L.

"One of Shirley's most significant legacies was the establishment of the Senate Scholarship Fund. Shirley provided leadership at a critical time when the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Senate launched a drive to raise scholarship funding for outstanding students. They were very successful and the fund continues to this day. It was a pleasure to work with Shirley in her capacity as Chancellor of the U of L. Elsa and I will miss her and we offer our condolences and best wishes to her family at this time."

Shirley's care and concern for people extended far beyond her immediate family, and she was forever a Maritimer, no matter how much time she spent on the prairies. Shirley was born in Nova Scotia (delivered by the doctor-father of Canadian music artist Anne Murray)and spent her childhood on Cape Breton Island, where her father served as an Anglican priest.

She attended Dalhousie ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, the Maritime School of Social Work, and, after moving to Alberta in 1966, attended the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary Faculty of Social Work.

She accepted a position as a social worker with the Government of Alberta, then progressed to NAIT, where she launched the first Social Services Worker program.

Shirley took this experience to the newly-established Grant MacEwan Community College in 1971, where, as the institution's 5th full-time employee, she established several key outreach programs and was particularly proud of an outreach program that she personally delivered to remote and northern locations of the province. She became the Head of the Social Services program, and was an instructor within the program until moving to Lethbridge in 1984.

In Lethbridge, she taught at Lethbridge Community College on a part-time basis and worked as a Social Worker/Supervisor of Social Work Programs at FamilyCare Inc., training and certifying social workers in several communities in southern Alberta, including the Town of Claresholm, the Kainai first Nation and the Siksika First Nation.

She will be remembered as the ultimate grandmother who was fiercely proud of her family, as a gracious host who welcomed people from all walks of life into her world, and as a community volunteer who worked tirelessly behind the scenes for organizations in need.

Condolences may be sent to the family at this address: senate@uleth.ca

New Chair in Aquatic Health Appointed

trevor.kenney — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 23:05:57 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has added to its internationally recognized expertise in water research with the addition of a new Chair in Aquatic Health, Dr. Greg Pyle.

Pyle is the first of four new research Chairs being added to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ this year as part of the Government of Alberta's Campus Alberta Innovation Program (CAIP) Chairs plan. The government is contributing $1-million for four Chairs, over the course of seven years, for a total investment of $7 million.

"It's exciting to be able to bring in an outstanding research talent such as Dr. Pyle," says Dr. Dan Weeks, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's vice-president (research). "His established expertise in the effects of environmental contaminants on the chemical communication systems in aquatic animals will greatly add to the already comprehensive research portfolio that has been established by our researchers in the Water Institute for Sustainable Environments (WISE)."

Pyle comes to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ after spending the previous five years as head of the Aquatic Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology Laboratory at Lakehead ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in Thunder Bay, Ont. His research program is considered unique because he is able to study several aquatic species, including both vertebrate and invertebrate animals, representing different positions within a typical freshwater food web and thereby better understanding the subtle effects of environmental contamination.

"The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has been building a strong reputation in research over the past several years, especially in the aquatic sciences," says Pyle. "I am thrilled to be part of that growing research culture, and excited by the prospects afforded by the university and surrounding region."

Prior to taking up a Canada Research Chair in Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology at Lakehead, Pyle helped establish and build the Department of Biology at Nipissing ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. He earned both his bachelor and master's degrees from Laurentian ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and received his PhD from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Saskatchewan.

The CAIP Chairs plan is part of the Government of Alberta's Campus Alberta collaborative initiative and will provide research Chairs to Alberta's four Comprehensive Academic and Research Intensive (CARI) institutions: the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, Athabasca ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary.

The U of L will also welcome CAIP Chairs in the areas of brain health and dementia, synthetic biology, and terrestrial ecosystems and remote sensing later this year. Pyle's appointment at the U of L is funded for seven years.

"The program is designed to recruit new research leaders to Alberta in specific areas of study," says Weeks. "Not only do these areas align with the Government of Alberta's strategic priorities, but they also reflect the core strengths of our institution."

5 Questions with Dr. Arlan Schultz

trevor.kenney — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 22:26:25 +0000

Dr. Arlan Schultz is an assistant professor of music, composition and theory and the head of the composition area within the Department of Music in the Faculty of Fine Arts.

Schultz's music has been broadcast on Radio Canada, in France on CBC's sister network, and has been heard at performances in Canada, the United States, France, Germany, Austria and Hungary. He has also been commissioned by the National Arts Centre Orchestra, the McGill Concert Choir, the Stuttgart Wind Quintet with Canadian pianist Louise Besette, Hungarian violinist János Négyesy, Canadian pianist Sandra Brown, Ensemble Resonance, Calgary and New Works Calgary, among others.

In addition to his creative work, Schultz is active in several areas of research related to the field of composition. He is implementing software algorithms for real-time audio spatialization in live performance, and designing symbolic computational algorithms for computer-assisted composition and audio synthesis. As well, he is developing tools for electroacoustic composition in the form of audio-spatialization software and unique audio-sample databases.

Dr. Arlan Schultz uses technologies such as real-time spacialization techniques in his studies.

What first piqued your interest in your research discipline?

At a young age, I was fascinated with the structure of music and the techniques involved in its composition. Although I was a pianist, the act of performance was somehow unsatisfying and I found myself increasingly involved in performative situations where improvisation and creativity were required. This engagement with creative music making is what directly led to my desire for more in-depth study of how music was put together.

Along this path, I discovered that, in addition to the traditional tools offered to a composer by historical (and newer) models for realizing a musical composition, there were significant technologies which could enhance the composer's expressive palette – such technologies include real-time spatialization techniques; interactive and computer mediated performance techniques; symbolic computational models; algorithmic composition; and new real-time techniques for audio synthesis.

How is your research applicable in "the real world"?

My current research is engaged with creating music and configuring it for transmission to an audience. When I consider the relevance of my research to the world at large (beyond the academic walls), I ask myself, "What role does music play in my daily life?"

Music is ubiquitous, but is it all meaningful? I view my research as a means for differentiating levels of meaning and for creating an aesthetic experience that goes beyond the background noise of daily living.

What is the greatest honour you have received in your career?

I have been fortunate to receive many grants and awards for my creative work, among them our current ACDI Grant from the Canada Council. However, the most important honour I have received in my career has been the great privilege of working with world-class performers on the production and performance of my work.

My wife, soprano Martha Renner, is a frequent collaborator on my vocal music and my more recent work has involved the inclusion of ritual Tibetan music. The Monks of the Drepung Gomang Monastery in South West India have honoured me by allowing the recording of their ritual music for study and inclusion in my creative work.

How important are students to your research endeavours?

To be a concert-music composer is to be a teacher – students are central to the survival of concert-music and to the continued advancement of, and experimentation with, musical discourse. The art of composition has always been passed on through apprenticeship models of teaching and my students play a central role in my creative life. My students have been actively involved with my musical productions and have been able to benefit from utilizing new technologies and hearing new ways to organize sound.

If you had unlimited funds, which areas of research would you invest?

I would invest in those forms of endeavour that keep us more fully human. Many have said that art fulfills this criterion, but in my view artistic endeavor informed by and combined with scientific research is among the most exciting fields for future research.

Each month, the Legend will present 5 Questions With . . . one of our researchers. For a look at the entire catalog of 5 Questions With . . . features, check out the Office of Research and Innovation Services website at www.uleth.ca/research/research_profiles. If you'd like to be profiled, contact Penny Pickles at pickpj@uleth.ca

This story first appeared in the December 2012 issue of the Legend. For a look at the entire issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

The rich landscape art of R.F.M. McInnis

trevor.kenney — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 20:48:00 +0000

R.F.M. McInnis, Cows and Little Ones (detail), 1996. From the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Art Collection. Gift of Jim Coutts, 2010.

Robert Francis Michael McInnis was born in 1942 in Saint John, N.B., where he received a diploma in fine and applied arts in 1961. In his early career, McInnis worked as a newspaper reporter and photographer, and served as a Royal Canadian Air Force photographer from 1962 to 1966.

R.F.M. McInnis, Red Barn and Clouds, 1998. From the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Art Collection. Gift of Jim Coutts, 2010.

Before moving to Toronto to devote his life to painting at the age of 30, McInnis held the position of Art Department Head at the Prince George College in British Columbia. In the years since his decision to focus on painting, McInnis has roamed east and west, living in Canada's urban centres and homesteading on the Albertan prairies.

R.F.M. McInnis, The Hill, 1994. From the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Art Collection. Gift of Jim Coutts, 2010.

He is known for his landscape paintings depicting the rolling hills and grain elevators of rural Alberta, but has also completed a large body of work featuring the figure as his subject.

RFM McInnis continues to paint at his current home in Winnipeg.

Horns basketball adds recruits

trevor.kenney — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 18:08:33 +0000

New ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns head Erin McAleenan is putting her stamp on the women's basketball program. On Thursday, McAleenan announced the addition of four new recruits, a returning player and a new associate coach.

Erin Skippon, Natalie Tollestrup, Lauren Tolley and Karen Li have all agreed to join the 'Horns, while Kara Henry returns for her fifth year with the program and Claire Meadows is the team's new associate coach.

Skippon played four seasons with the Queen's Gaels in Ontario ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Atheltics and joins the 'Horns after taking the past two years off from basketball after graduating from Queen's ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. In her final season with the Gaels', the 6'0" post from Kelowna, B.C. averaged just under 11 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.
"Erin brings great experience, work ethic, and maturity to our team during a transition year," says McAleenan. "I am thrilled that Erin has chosen to play her fifth year with the Horns and I look forward to seeing her toughness in the post this season."

Raymond, Alta. product Natalie Tollestrup joins the 'Horns after playing the second half of last season with the Lethbridge College Kodiaks. Prior to playing with the Kodiaks, Tollestrup was a member of the highly successful Raymond Comets program, and as a senior during the 2009-10 season, she averaged just over 13 points per game.

Another ACAC product, Lauren Tolley transfers to the U of L after taking last season off. She last played for the SAIT Trojans during the 2010-11 season and is a graduate of Dr. E.P. Scarlett High School in Calgary.

"Lauren's ability to shoot the ball separates herself from others at her position," says McAleenan. "We are looking forward to having someone with her length on the perimeter this season."

The only true freshman of the recruiting class is Karen Li, who comes to the 'Horns from Vancouver's Britannia Secondary School. The 5'4" point guard led her high school team to a AA BC Provincial title last season and was named the most valuable player of the provincials in the process. During her senior season, Li averaged 12 points and 7 assists per game.

"We are really excited that Karen has chosen to be a part of the Pronghorn family for her CIS career," says McAleenan. "Karen is not only a quick, athletic point guard; she is also a very good leader on the court. "

Guard Kara Henry returns to the program after a year away from the game.

"Kara brings great experience, work ethic and competitiveness to this young team and it is great to have her back to finish her fifth year as a Horn," says McAleenan. "Kara's versatility on the court will really help our team this season."

In addition to the announcement of her first recruits for next season, McAleenan has added a full-time assistant coach in Claire Meadows. Meadows spent the 2011-12 season coaching alongside McAleenan as an assistant coach with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta Pandas.

Meadows also spent time as an assistant coach with the Queen's Gaels. She also played five seasons with the Gaels where she earned her bachelor of arts (physical health education) and bachelor of education degrees.

She will officially become a member of the Pronghorn family in late August after completing her master's of education in coaching from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Victoria.

The 'Horns will kick off the 2012-13 Canada West season Nov. 2 at the 1^st Choice Savings Centre by hosting the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Winnipeg.

Wellness at work can start simply

trevor.kenney — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 21:02:41 +0000

By SUZANNE MCINTOSH

Thank you to all who attended our 5th Annual Life Balance Fair last month. Thanks also to all of our wonderful exhibitors and the donors of the many draw prizes.

As the fair was celebrating Healthy Workplace Month in Canada, I would like to continue on that theme by highlighting information available on our new Employee and Family Assistance Program provider's website. Homewood Human Solutions has a number of resources available for staff and faculty. The following is a teaser from one of the articles on their site.

Tips for Staying Well at Work

Taking time to relax in the workplace is important, and it doesn't have to be difficult or time consuming. Sometimes even a small investment of time for relaxation can have a big pay off. In fact, the following exercises can create more time than they use because, when you refresh yourself, you are more productive and efficient.

You can use the following three relaxation exercises at work to help you manage your stress, maximize your energy and maintain a healthy and positive attitude at work. None of the exercises takes longer than three minutes, and the shortest is only 10 seconds. Try them and make your own judgment about how helpful they are.

Exercise # 1 - Deep Breathing (a simple but very effective method of relaxation)

• Take a long, slow, deep breath. Inhale through your nose, allowing your diaphragm to fill with air and letting your chest expand.

• Exhale through your mouth. As you exhale, dig deep and allow any stress, anxiety or tension to be released along with that breath.

• Try, as best you can, to empty your head of all thoughts, plans and worries: right now all you need to do is relax.

Allow yourself to exhale negative thoughts along with your breath.

• Repeat these steps several times until you feel calm and relaxed. When you are ready to go back to work, allow your breath to return to normal.

Why does it work?

Studies show the area of the brain that signals the stress response also signals the relaxation response. By breathing deeply for at least 10 seconds you signal your brain to switch from stress mode to relaxation mode, giving your body and mind a break.

This is also a great exercise to help with the afternoon blues. Breathing deeply allows oxygen to reach your brain, which makes you more alert and re-energized. So instead of grabbing another cup of coffee, eating another chocolate bar or taking an aspirin to fend off a headache, take a few seconds and B-R-E-A-T-H-E.

Quick Tips

• Laughing: this is one of the easiest and best ways to reduce stress. Share a joke with a co-worker, read the comics on your break and try to see the humour in the situation.

• Stretching: get the blood and oxygen moving through your body by taking a minute to stretch.

• Grab a healthy snack: this will nourish your mind and body.

• Prioritize: Take charge of your situation by taking 10 minutes at the beginning of each day to prioritize and organize your day.

For more creative relaxation exercises, visit www.homewoodhumansolutions.com/media

Mini-Massages

Lethbridge College Massage Therapy students will provide mini-massages in the month of November. Thursday, Nov. 17, the students are available from 1 to 3 p.m. in AH100, while on Wednesday, Nov. 30, sessions are offered from 1 to 3 p.m. in L1114.

Contact wellness@uleth.ca to sign up. There may also be some walk-in availability!

Wellness Lunch and Learn

On Thursday, Nov. 24, Alcohol, A culture of intoxication OR moderation – how much is too much, personal limits, and the consequences of intoxication, will be presented from 12:05 to 1 p.m. in AH100.

Chris Windle, Addiction Services Lethbridge, Addiction and Mental Health, Alberta Health Services, will be presenting.

As always, I look forward to any comments, suggestions or questions.

Suzanne McIntosh is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's co-ordinator of Wellness Programs

This story first appeared in the November issue of the Legend. For a look at the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Experiencing as much as possible

trevor.kenney — Mon, 16 May 2011 20:26:03 +0000

International exchange student Radek Eryk Bachorz might not yet know where he's going to end up, but it's safe to say it'll be an interesting ride getting there.

The 26-year-old native of Poland is completing his fourth year of study at the U of L, turning what was initially a one-year exchange opportunity into an entirely new life with no apparent boundaries.

"I'm trying to keep the broad perspective on everything," says Bachorz when asked about his career aspirations. "Having a narrow goal isn't the best for me, it's about having wide horizons and looking for something that will really be satisfying, not necessarily profitable at first, but will put a smile on my face and make me happy to go to work every day."

Polish exchange student Radek Eryk Bachorz has made the most of his opportunities at the U of L.

Currently studying international management with minors in supply chain management and social responsibility, Bachorz actually already has a master's degree. He completed his master's in Investment and Corporate Financial Strategies in August 2010 from Poznan ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Economics in Poland, a degree supplemented by his exchange work here at the U of L.

But Bachorz's experience is about so much more than the classroom, something he only discovered after finishing his master's and took another look at his education.

"After completing my degree, I got really involved in student life last year," says Bachorz. "I totally changed my way of attending school, where I realize it's not only about getting good marks, it's also about extra-curricular activities."

His involvement with the Faculty of Management's JDC West business case competition was the impetus.

"My co-captains, Jill Morrison and Travis Letwin, put me in this different world and opened my eyes on new opportunities," he says. "I really wanted to give something back to the Alberta community, but there were too many things taking up my time, and I was really determined to finish my degree back in Europe. Last fall I decided to focus a bit less on being outstanding academically to try and get more involved in non-academic activities."

He volunteered for YWCA Lethbridge and the Humane Society, helped out the Management International Programs Office as a mentor in their buddy program, participated in the International Centre for Students (ICS) Cultural Expo and was keen to assist at various faculty functions such as Management Preview Day. This past spring he spent a week hustling change outside the Students' Union as one of the 5 Days for the Homeless participants and gladly had his head shaved (for the fourth straight year) as a supporter of the Head Shave for Cancer initiative.

"When I had the opportunity to take less of a course load, I knew this is what I wanted to do," says Bachorz. "It's not just about the GPA, it's also about getting
involved and participating in the student life."

He credits the U of L culture for helping him thrive in his new country, and gives thanks to both the ICS (especially Charlene Janes) and the International Exchange program in the Faculty of Management (specifically Andrea Amelinckx, Rhonda Crow and Gizelle Tiponut) for helping in his transition.

"Honestly, after the first semester, I was so impressed with how approachable everybody was," he says. "It's a very practical atmosphere here, so many small groups, you can really go to your prof or any faculty or staff member and you'll be treated as a valuable student, not just one of a thousand.

"After just a few semesters I found you would be called by name in the hallways and that was very surprising to me. I had never seen anything like that before. You are really treated as a person here, not just someone known by their Student ID number, who is coming to get a degree and leaving the university unnoticed."

When exactly he'll finish his degree, he's not sure. Right now he's looking to secure a job on campus to stay in Lethbridge for the summer. Beyond that, he will continue to learn and look to make an impact, wherever that may lead him.

"Education is the best investment," says Bachorz. "I have learned so many valuable things from people I've met. The relationships you make are invaluable. You guys in Canada are so supportive. It is great to be given such an amazing opportunity to live and study here."

For a look at the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Taking a little off the top

trevor.kenney — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:18:21 +0000

The annual Headshave for Cancer event takes place Wednesday, Mar. 30 in the UHall Atrium. Kelly Roberts, sound technician for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre, is shaving his head in support of the Canadian Cancer Society in conjunction with HeadShave Canada and the
U of L's Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Omicron-Xi Chapter.

Here, Roberts is getting a little help from David Green, a cancer survivor and the Faculty of Fine Arts shop head carpenter. While Roberts might have the most to lose, he's just one of a number of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ staff, students and faculty lopping it all off for the cause.

Pick up a pledge form from any of the participants to donate. Kevin McFadzen and Jeff Hilliard (Sport and Recreation Services) will join Roberts on Mar. 30, while Wayne Lippa (chemistry and biochemistry), Ardis Anderson (philosophy), Greg Patenaude (chemistry and biochemistry) and Peter Dibble (chemistry and biochemistry) all supported the Flying Doctors of Canada by having their locks lopped off on Mar. 11.

For a look at the March issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Quirky musical opens Thursday

trevor.kenney — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 17:44:22 +0000

TheatreXtra premieres its first musical production in March with the uniquely dubbed, [title of show].

"It's a musical about two guys writing a musical about two guys writing a musical," says Kyle Schulte, director of [title of show], this season's final TheatreXtra production. "This is the first time TheatreXtra has put on a musical, so we're all thrilled to be a part of it."

Playing Mar. 3-5 in the David Spinks Theatre, there are shows nightly at 8 p.m. and a 2 p.m. matinee on Mar. 5.

[title of show]'s catchy music and eccentric cast promises to leave an impression on audiences. An off-beat comedy written by Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell, it premiered at the New York Musical Theatre Festival in September 2004. After running with great success Off-Broadway in 2006, [title of show] ran at the Lyceum Theatre on Broadway in 2008.

"I was already a fan of the show and knew the music well," says Schulte, a third-year drama major. "When the performance rights were released, I jumped at the chance to present it here."

With 19 pieces of music, including 14 songs, putting together a musical in four weeks is a challenge that would make any director's head spin.

"This has really been a collaborative effort," he says. "It's a musical about students putting on a musical, and so far, this has been a great fit for our cast and crew, and works perfectly with TheatreXtra's mandate."

The demands of directing a musical add a new element to the process.

"There are two more elements in this show: choreography and music," he adds. "It's been so much fun to direct."

With quirky songs such as, Two Nobodies in New York, The Tony Award Song and Die, Vampire, Die!, audiences can expect a contemporary, funny night of musical theatre.

"I liked that the themes of the musical were very similar to my own life," says Schulte. "This show is relevant to students, and we know the audiences are going to love it too."

Tickets to TheatreXtra's hilarious final production of the season are available at the U of L Box Office or by calling 403-329-2616. Tickets are $15 regular and $10 for students and seniors.

For a look at the February issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Quirky musical caps season

trevor.kenney — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 16:28:31 +0000

TheatreXtra premieres its first musical production in March with the uniquely dubbed, [title of show].

"It's a musical about two guys writing a musical about two guys writing a musical," says Kyle Schulte, director of [title of show], this season's final TheatreXtra production. "This is the first time TheatreXtra has put on a musical, so we're all thrilled to be a part of it."

Playing Mar. 3-5 in the David Spinks Theatre, there are shows nightly at 8 p.m. and a 2 p.m. matinee on Mar. 5.

[title of show]'s catchy music and eccentric cast promises to leave an impression on audiences. An off-beat comedy written by Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell, it premiered at the New York Musical Theatre Festival in September 2004. After running with great success Off-Broadway in 2006, [title of show] ran at the Lyceum Theatre on Broadway in 2008.

"I was already a fan of the show and knew the music well," says Schulte, a third-year drama major. "When the performance rights were released, I jumped at the chance to present it here."

With 19 pieces of music, including 14 songs, putting together a musical in four weeks is a challenge that would make any director's head spin.

"This has really been a collaborative effort," he says. "It's a musical about students putting on a musical, and so far, this has been a great fit for our cast and crew, and works perfectly with TheatreXtra's mandate."

The demands of directing a musical add a new element to the process.

"There are two more elements in this show: choreography and music," he adds. "It's been so much fun to direct."

With quirky songs such as, Two Nobodies in New York, The Tony Award Song and Die, Vampire, Die!, audiences can expect a contemporary, funny night of musical theatre.

"I liked that the themes of the musical were very similar to my own life," says Schulte. "This show is relevant to students, and we know the audiences are going to love it too."

Tickets to TheatreXtra's hilarious final production of the season are available at the U of L Box Office or by calling 403-329-2616. Tickets are $15 regular and $10 for students and seniors.

For a look at the February issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

UNews - head

��Ѹ�����Դ���߿�Ƭ mourns passing of DeBow

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