The Dickinson State University chapter of the National Association for Music Education is sponsoring its 53rd annual Hilltop Holiday -- a musical variety show featuring talent by DSU students and the community.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, in the DSU Stickney Auditorium.
"This is a variety show that DSU students, faculty and community members may be involved in. It is a fun way to show off the Dickinson area's musical talent," said show Director and DSU student Sarah Hagenston.
The theme of the show varies from year to year.
"This year we decided to go a little bit more international. The theme this year is 'Hilltop Holiday Goes Global.' This show tells a story of a man who makes a trip around the world visiting various countries," she said.
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The stage manager is Abby Austin, set design by Anna Vitt, advertising by Leah Walters and advisor, Carolyn Burns.
Others involved in the production include Sara Engebretson, Katie Thomas and Sam Meehan.
A majority of the acts showcase talent from the DSU Music Department.
"A lot of students who graduated are coming back," said Walters.
She is preparing a song titled "I Enjoy Being a Girl" while dressed as a Chinese picture bride.
"It looks like a blast. It has many varieties of songs from a lot of different cultures," she said.
There also is plenty of humor provided by the tourist/master of ceremonies Josh Nichols., she said.
"He's very funny. He's definitely a comedian," said Walters.
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The show opens with the tourist who is sitting on the sofa in front of the TV with chicken warming in the microwave. A commercial comes on that challenges him to get off the sofa and explore the world.
With that inspiration, the tourist boards a plane with the first stop in New York City to hear Michael Stevenson and Ruth Heley give a performance. He visits Brazil for a brass ensemble, then to Africa where a men's quartet sings a "Prayer of the Children." He continues to Spain, Germany and Ireland where the Living Room Products prepares a scene from a pub. After a visit to China, he returns to America for a salute to the Armed Forces. The show ends with the Aka' Fellas singing, "Put a Little Love in Your Heart."
With little time for rehearsal, each of the 15 groups practices independently. With a dress rehearsal, the show is ready to go, said Walters.
Tickets are available at the door.
