NSU Horizons Spring/Summer 2009

13 horizons F eaturing memorable numbers from musical theater classics such as Guys and Dolls , Fiddler on the Roof , and A Chorus Line , NSU’s University School recently presented the Performing Arts Alumni Re- Union Show: The Tradition Continues , starring former stu- dents from four decades of the school’s history. The show brought to- gether alumni including profes- sional actors Seth Gabel and Josh Gad, both from the class of 1999. Gabel, of televi- sion’s CSI and Dirty Sexy Money , was chosen as one of People magazine’s Sexiest Men Alive in 2007. Gad, who performed in films 21 and The Rocker , recently won a Tony for his role in Broadway’s The 25th Annual Putnam Coun- ty Spelling Bee . The pair—and about 50 additional performing arts alumni and 20 current students—came together for a unique, one-night performance on December 27, 2008, at the Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale. “It was just a great way to revisit with friends and current stu- dents and be a part of it again,” Gad said. Led by organizers including 1994 alumna Nicole Prouty, the cast, crew, choreographers, directors, and pit members learned music, dance moves, and dialogue in their respec- tive cities before reuniting to recreate their favorite musical memories. Of course, this meant numerous emails and conference calls, culmi- nating in a 15-hour rehearsal the day before the unprece- dented performance. “It was an exciting and very creative show,” said Dave Walker, University School band director. “They’re all very talented people, and they have worked so hard. It’s tre- mendous that they pulled off something like this.” Visit www.uschool.nova.edu /arts for more information about University School’s Department of Performing Arts. n University School Alumni Reunite on Stage The cast of University School’s Performing Arts ReUnion:The Tradition Continues show gets things started during the first stage of the show, “Beginnings,” which featured musical excerpts from Fiddler on the Roof , Oliver! , Godspell , Hair , Pippin , and A Chorus Line . T he soulful sounds of the blues resonated across our main campus this past November as NSU again hosted the South Florida International Blues Festival. The 2008 event brought the largest crowd ever. More than 7,000 people attended the free, three-day festival, which is now in its third year. The crowd welcomed performers including Grammy- nominated blues artist Kenny Wayne Shepherd, The Delta Guitar Slingers, Southern rocker Anthony Gomes, and Janiva Magness. Magness is a two-time winner of the Blues Music Award for Contemporary Female Artist of the Year and a nominee for the 2009 Blues Music Award for the B.B. King Entertainer of the Year Award. Founded in 2007 by blues enthusiasts Randy Pohlman, Ph.D., dean of NSU’s H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and En- trepreneurship, and Robert (Bob) Sellani, D.B.A., associate professor at the Huizenga School, the annual event is now the premiere blues festival in South Florida. “It’s a great way to bring blues to South Florida and the com- munity to NSU,” Pohlman said. “Blues is a uniquely American form of music that appeals to all types of people.” In addition to the professional talent appearing throughout the weekend, the Blues Festival also showcased the musical talents of students from two local area high schools. The University School Blues Band and Hialeah Senior High School Blues Band opened the festival on Friday evening with performances on the main stage. A canned food drive to benefit the Cooperative Feeding Program was held during the three days of the festival. More than 40 NSU students from around the university and 20 community members volunteered their time to help others and create awareness of the silent epidemic of hunger and poverty in Broward County. More than 20,000 cans were collected and $2,100 was raised. NSU will once again host the South Florida International Blues Festival on its main campus this November 6, 7, and 8. The 2009 festival promises to be packed with some of the best blues talent in the country. Visit www.southfloridainternationalbluesfestival.com for more information. n NSU Sings, and Celebrates, the Blues Jason Ricci, playing the harmonica at the South Florida International Blues Festival