When the multinational cast of Up with People takes the stage at Olympia High School Auditorium in Orlando on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 7:00 PM audience members will find something for virtually every musical taste and interest.
Long before American Idol began discovering and refining new talent or High School Musical tapped into the exuberance of young ensemble casts, Up with People pioneered these attributes while touring the world with their optimistic message of global cooperation and goodwill.
Up with People’s all-new production is entitled “A Song for the World” which features the energy and talent of a cast and staff of 100 representing 21 countries. The live two-hour performance includes both original and popular music and is a dynamic blend of feature soloists, full cast production numbers, fast-moving choreography and colorful costumes.
“A Song for the World is really about possibility”, explains Up with People Producer/Director Eric Lentz. “Our goal is to leave our audiences with a sense of believing that each and every one of them has gifts and talents to share. Their song for the world – their ability or skill – may be healing the sick, building a home for the needy, teaching the young. By shining our spotlight on the people and organizations in Orlando and the great work they do, we hope to inspire our audience members to get out and share their gifts – get involved in their own unique way,” Lentz added.
Audience members will be taken on a musical tour around the world and back in time with special moments including “The Love Medley,” a collection of popular music and dancing moments from the last three decades on the theme of “boy meets girl.”
Throughout the show, international cast members will provide the audience with a glimpse of their own national traditions and cultures through music and dance with musical stops in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa.
“The Sound of Peace” is a poignant moment when the Up with People cast will be joined on stage by local children to sing this moving ballad that ends with the lyric, “If you listen to our voices with your heart, you’ll hear the sound of peace.”
Several new numbers have been added to the show to speak to young people in their style of music and dance including “Sing Your Song,” “One Person” and “Arm Yourself” from top-selling Orlando music producer and UWP alumni Angel Cortes.
In addition to Orlando, Cast A 2011’s fall tour will include 20 cities in the U.S., The Bahamas, Europe and Mexico. In addition to four Super Bowl halftime shows, casts have recently appeared at the 2007 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and as the Opening Act for the 2008 and 2011 Rose Parade from Pasadena, CA.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors and are on now sale at www.upwithpeople.org/Orlando. Group tickets are also available online at a rate of 10 adult tickets for $120 and/or 10 student/senior tickets for $70. Contact Chelsey Panchot at 218.355.0239 or [email protected] for the online promotional code.
Up with People’s visit to Orlando is sponsored by Overdrive Direct Marketing and Intelligent Automotive Marketing.
Up with People is an independent nonprofit, [501(c)(3)] organization without any religious or political affiliations. It provides young adults an international and intercultural experience that teaches service leadership and uses the performing arts to deliver messages of hope and goodwill throughout the world. Up with People exists today to spark people to action in meeting the needs of their communities, countries and the world while building bridges of understanding as a foundation for world peace. For more information visit www.upwithpeople.org.
