The 2009 production is among the most colorful, costumed and choreographed in recent years. In keeping with the show's title, the set will feature a gigantic and expansive shelf of books to create the ambiance of a university library. It is recommended for audiences aged 10 and up. "One for the Books" is the second show in Waa-Mu history to feature a "book" theme.
"We decided to do another show about books because there are so many interesting characters that are costumed," said Missimi. "It also was a good jumping board that sent us in a variety of literary and university-oriented directions."
"Every year Waa-Mu is a completely original show with music and lyrics by Northwestern students," added Missimi. "Some musicals take up to seven years to get to the stage, and we do it in only six months. This year's show features 33 rehearsed and orchestrated skits, which is miraculous, when you consider that the students are attending classes during the day and only have a four-week rehearsal period from start to finish, a shorter period than any other Northwestern production on campus."
Among the highlights of this year's show will be a "Tap for Dummies" number choreographed by David Bell, an associate professor of music theatre at Northwestern's School of Communication and an internationally renowned professional director. The tap dance will be performed to a vocal text by the entire 42-member student cast. The Waa-Mu cast members have choreographed all other dances in the production.
Northwestern junior Will Buck has contributed the music and lyrics for a dozen original songs to the show, including "One for the Books" the opening number, "Wonderland," "Bye Bye Prince Charming" and "Happy Ending." Buck also co-wrote "I Carry Your Heart" with sophomore Liz Olanoff, a song that pays tribute to author e.e. cummings, which will be sung by student soloist Kaitlin Fine. Reed Wilson, a junior, wrote the music and lyrics for "Song of Myself," a lyrical salute to Walt Whitman and the world of poets.
Northwestern and Waa-Mu alumnus Michael Mahler contributed a song titled "Librarian" that will feature choreography by senior Danny Westen. Mahler originally wrote the music and lyrics for the 2001 Waa-Mu Show, "Sorry We're Booked," when he was a cast member.
The 2009 show will include the 25th anniversary performance of "The Beautiful Bod," a song that was introduced during the 1984 Waa-Mu Show, "Suitable for Framing." The production number will revolve around the character of Jane Fonda as she tries to peddle her latest exercise workout book.
"Epilogue," the Senior Class of 2009 song, with music and lyrics by senior Andrea Hochkeppel, will be performed near the end of the show. The famed "To The Memories" by the late Lloyd Norlin will be performed as a special tribute to Tom Roland, the second director of Waa-Mu, who passed away Sept. 26, 2008. Many of Roland's lifelong friends, including Georgia Norlin, Marietta Paynter and acting partner Anne Whitney and business associates Dave Wilkinson and Bill Whitney will attend the opening.
Performances of "Waa-Mu 2009: One for the Books" will be held at 8 p.m. Thursday, May 7 and Friday, May 8; at 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, May 9; and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 10, at Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson St., Evanston.
Single tickets for "Waa-Mu 2009: One for the Books" are $28 (tier one) to $21 (tier two) for the general public; $17 for seniors and Northwestern University faculty, staff and area educators and administrators; and $11 for full-time students. For tickets, call (847) 491-7282 or order tickets online at www.waamu.northwestern.edu.
