OnStage Brings Music to Rosemount's Ears

Get ready for a musical evening with everything from jazzy melodies to country classics: OnStage 2011: An American Songbook opens at 7 p.m. tonight at the Rosemount High School Performing Arts Center.

This is the 12^th annual consecutive OnStage revue for . It is the largest production of the academic year, with approximately 220 students involved, including 51 elementary and middle school aged cast members.

“It’s really fun to see it come together,” said Steven Albaugh, the show’s director and head of the Rosemount High School Choral Department.

However, participating in the show is hard work. The cast attends 10-15 hours of rehearsals every week, estimated one student. The same student also noted that there is a drastic increase in rehearsal time in the days leading up to opening night.

“It can be a lot to handle,” said Stephanie Houlihan, a Rosemount High School senior and soloist in the revue. “But you just have to remember that it’s for the show and that the show’s going to be amazing because of all the time that you put into it.”

This year’s production will cover a range of American music, including old standards and contemporary hits. Sections of the show are even devoted to stars whose music has stood the test of time, such as Irving Berlin and Michael Jackson.

“There is so much diversity in the numbers that we’re doing,” said Houlihan. “There really is something for everyone.”

To purchase tickets for OnStage 2011: An American Songbook, call 651-423-7540 or 651-683-6969 (ext. 37540) or visit the Rosemount High School Theater Arts website.