"This show really speaks to people, young and old," says director Tim Howard, an assistant professor of theatre and dance at UWSP and coordinator of the musical theatre program.　 "The show has great humanity and that theme itself, is beautifully universal. It brings people together."

While the story is moving and romantic, the musical score is tuneful and has a pop feel. "Its an atypical musical because its very contemporary in the telling," Howard says.

In staging the show for UWSP, Howard updated the play by changing references, color palette and costumes to reflect the culture of 2008.

He added vignettes of everyday happenings on a college campus, such as the hustle and bustle of finals week, in order to add life and realism to the stage, cover the many scene changes and make the show more flowing and cinematic.

Hes also added an aspect of intimacy by bringing the stage closer to the audience.

"Students are excited about this show and have a really good feeling about it," Howard says. "Ive encouraged them to bring themselves into it and its been a collaborative process."

Tickets are $17 for adults, $16 for senior citizens and $12 for youth. UWSP students with a valid ID may purchase advance tickets for $4.50 per show or get in free the day of the show if seats are still available.

Tickets may be purchased at University Information and Tickets in the Dreyfus University Center concourse, by calling (715) 346-4100 or (800) 838-3378, or by ordering online at www.uwsp.edu/centers/uit/ordering.asp. Visa, MasterCard or Discover are accepted.

-30-

ch/vc/Baby