This 45th annual Spring Sing began yesterday with a children’s matinee and an evening production of the show. More than 11,000 people from around the country and the world visit campus and watch more than 1,000 students from over 20 different social clubs perform, according to the Spring Sing website.
The theme of the overall production is “Heroes & Villains.” Dr. Steven Frye, director of Spring Sing, said the theme was chosen as a result of the resurgence of superheroes in pop culture.
“We see a lot of epic heroism in things, and I think that’s good, and I think that’s positive,” Frye said. “We need our heroes. We need larger than life characters that we can aspire to, but we also need to be reminded that, if you want to be a hero, all you have to do is step up.”
Hosts and hostesses and ensemble members perform numbers connecting the theme throughout the show. According to senior ensemble member Jorden Sims, costumes incorporate the theme, mimicking characters from Marvel, DC Comics and Disney.
“When I first heard the theme, I thought ‘this show has so much potential,’” Sims said. “It made me think most of the everyday heroes in our lives: our parents, best friends, teachers, public safety, firemen and policemen, Bruce McLarty — the list could go on. Be the hero of your life, because no one else could be a better villain in it than yourself.”
In addition to the social club shows, hosts, hostess and ensemble characters, charities add another aspect to Spring Sing. According to Frye, they also play a role in this year’s theme.
“Many of the students understand that (winning) is not just about bragging rights, but that there is something great going on here and this year’s theme is talking about heroes,” Frye said. “You see these eight charities? They are the real heroes. They are the ones who work day in and day out to make a difference in the lives of others, and that is something we’re celebrating.”
