Lubbock Christian University’s (LCU) annual summer and fall musical productions provide a powerful and engaging opportunity to reconnect alumni and current students—both on and off the stage.
Each year, the LCU Theatre Division puts on numerous productions—the two largest of which are the summer and fall musical productions. In 2021, the summer musical revue was Songs for a Summer Night: The Music of Stephen Sondheim, and saw the inclusion of LCU alumni from several decades.
“The Theatre Division at LCU strives to educate students in all aspects of theatre, but also to engage our alumni and all community members,” explained Dr. Laurie Doyle, chair of LCU’s Department of Communication and Fine Arts. “Our summer alumni show featured performances of Stephen Sondheim songs and included seventeen alums who attended LCU from the 1980s to 2020.”
Over the past ten years, a number of LCU alumni have returned to campus to participate in musicals and reviews and have enjoyed renewing friendships while continuing to use their talents onstage. All alums in the Lubbock area are encouraged to participate.
“I so appreciate the opportunity to participate in the summer musical,” shared Julie Bartholomew (‘04), who now serves in LCU’s Registrar’s office. “Working with current students is refreshing, as is renewing past friendships and making new connections with members of the LCU alumni family. The summer musical is a fun, uplifting way to stay connected to LCU and to draw positive attention to our university.”
Samantha Turley (’13), another area alumna, shared the sentiment. “Coming back to LCU is always like coming back home,” she explained. “Even though our ensemble was a mix-mash of various alumni and current students, I thought our group came together beautifully, and I walked away renewing old friendships and starting new, life-long ones. Dr. Doyle not only knows how to put on an amazing show but also how to engage alumni in the most meaningful ways.”
On October 8 and 9, some of that cast will join current LCU students in their own production of Bye Bye Birdie.
“LCU Theatre is pleased to present a fun fall musical full of memorable songs and performances,” shared Dr. Doyle. “Along with our talented students, we are joined by alums Keegan Peck (‘10), Joshua Dansby (‘17), and Clayton Henriksen(‘20). All three spent many hours on the stage as undergraduates and continue to excel in bringing characters to life.”
Bye Bye Birdie, set in the late 1950s, includes an Elvis-style character who has been drafted into the army. His manager plans for him to give one final kiss to a fan on the Ed Sullivan show. Plans fall apart and comedy ensues. Tickets will be available at the doors of the McDonald Moody Auditorium ($20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors) before the 7:30 showtimes on October 8 and 9.
Learn more about LCU’s Theatre programs, or find more resources for LCU Alumni.