Echoes of singing, music, and dialogue reverberate through the practice rooms of Texas Woman's University's music building as a dedicated cast prepares for the upcoming musical performance. This inaugural production, "Out of the Blue," marks a significant milestone for the TWU Division of Music, as it ventures into the realm of musical theatre for the first time.

Unveiling a Captivating New Musical

A Collaborative Effort Comes to Life

The TWU Division of Music's inaugural musical theatre performance, "Out of the Blue," is the result of a collaborative effort between several talented individuals. The musical, written by Emmy-winning writer Mark Mazzarella, features music and lyrics curated by Emmy-winning composer and musician Sean P. Pallatroni. The production also boasts the choreographic direction of Tracy Jordan, the TWU artistic manager.This unique opportunity has allowed the students and faculty of TWU to delve into the process of developing and rehearsing a new musical from the ground up. "We're just going to take everything that we've done in rehearsals and spread it out," said Melissa Hall, the vocal director and TWU adjunct professor, expressing her excitement about the upcoming performances.

Reviving the Margo Jones Performance Hall

The musical will be performed in the 103-year-old Margo Jones Performance Hall, which has not hosted a musical since April 2021. This historic venue will provide the perfect backdrop for the debut of "Out of the Blue," as the TWU Division of Music takes center stage.The production will feature two separate casts, with the November 2nd performance beginning at 7:30 p.m. and the November 3rd show at 2 p.m. This dual-cast approach allows more students to showcase their talents and brings a fresh perspective to each performance.

Bridging the Divide between Music and Theatre

While the theater division of TWU has a history of producing musicals, this performance marks the first time the music division has taken on such a project. "There's been many musicals done in the theater division, and we are a little bit separated, still amazing collaborators, but just a little bit separate on the focus on the music side of things," Hall explained.This collaboration between the music and theater divisions represents a significant step forward, as the two disciplines come together to create a truly captivating theatrical experience. The students and faculty involved in "Out of the Blue" will have the opportunity to gain valuable firsthand experience in the process of developing and rehearsing a new musical.

Embracing the Creative Process

For the creative team behind "Out of the Blue," the production represents a unique challenge and opportunity. "I want to showcase my best and there's always, in the music field, perfection and wanting to get there," Hall said, acknowledging the inner pressure she faces as a creator.However, Hall also recognizes the importance of finding a balance between the pursuit of perfection and the realities of presenting a new work. "There's a place as a creator where there has to be a place of 'and here is where it's going to be presented,'" she added, emphasizing the significance of this inaugural musical theatre production for the TWU Division of Music.

Bringing a Compelling Character to Life

At the heart of "Out of the Blue" is the story of Sienna, a 17-year-old art student whose journey of self-discovery and artistic expression will be brought to life by two talented performers. Alyssa Serrano, a 19-year-old pre-nursing student, will portray Sienna on November 2nd, while 27-year-old music major Angeleen Dewitt will take on the role on November 3rd."In my opinion, 'Out of the Blue' is a story of a girl who, like a lot of people, is just figuring out what it means to be herself and what it means, especially in a creative aspect, how to be an artist," Serrano shared, offering a glimpse into the character's compelling narrative.As the TWU Division of Music prepares to unveil this new musical, the anticipation and excitement are palpable. The students, faculty, and creative team have poured their hearts and souls into bringing "Out of the Blue" to life, and the upcoming performances promise to be a truly captivating and transformative experience for all who attend.