It’s almost time for the annual sophomore musical, affectionately known as SOMU by students. It is now the Beloved Class’s turn to perform. They will be performing the famous “Sound of Music” in the Greathouse Theater next week.
For those who do not know about this tradition, each year, the sophomore class has the opportunity to select a musical theatrical production and perform it. Anyone from the sophomore class can audition. In fact, most students involved in SOMU do not have much of a theater background. SOMU is an experience for sophomores to connect with others in their class and try something new that might be out of their comfort zone. Most who have participated in a SOMU have come away from the experience with new friendships and a greater love for the Asbury community.
Sophomore Abby Strawderman who is acting in the production, is nervous but excited for opening night. Strawderman is playing the role of Liesl, the eldest of the Von Trapp siblings and one of the main characters who has a major musical number in the “Sound of Music.”
“I am anxious for the play to begin, but I am so excited to finally see the show come together. We have been working on this since last semester. There seems to be so much support from the Asbury community already. I am excited to put on the amazing show that people are anticipating, and I am so excited to represent and make the Beloved Class proud,” said Strawderman.
The central spirit of SOMU is to give opportunities to students to participate in theater regardless of their background or abilities. It is an opportunity to have fun and bond with class members.
In sharing why SOMU has been a positive experience for her, Strawderman said, “SOMU grew me in a lot of areas of my life, and you get to learn a lot about yourself when you put yourself in a different atmosphere. Everyone in this musical is so talented. I have made some amazing friends, and I loved seeing the process of performing a musical and what it takes. Theater is a whole new world, and I am grateful to be a part of this.”
“I am so grateful to play Liesl. She is so innocent and naive, but also stubborn. I have loved understanding her dynamic and character more. I loved making her my own but also getting to be inspired by Liesl from the original ‘Sound of Music,’” said Strawderman.
The sophomore director of this year’s SOMU is Jazmyn Lorentzen. When talking about what it has been like to be the director of this year’s production, she said, “I have really enjoyed being in this role. SOMU has been an incredible experience, despite all the stress that naturally comes with directing a big musical.”
Lorentzen is excited for the Asbury and Wilmore communities to see all the hard work that has been put into this show. “I am excited for fellow students to be surprised by their classmates and friends and all they have accomplished,” said Lorentzen. “Everybody in the musical has done such a wonderful job, and I know people are going to love it come opening. I am just excited for everyone to see the final product.”
When asked about what it was like to work with this sophomore cast, Lorentzen had nothing but positive things to say.
“I can tell that this musical is so important to everyone involved. It was important to them to work hard to make this the best performance possible. Much of the cast is people who have never done theater before, but they have strived to work hard,” said Lorentzen. “They have treated me so well and are not critical of me while I directed. All of the cast was very understanding of each other.”
Since interest in this production is so high, tickets for the shows are quickly selling out. All Asbury students are encouraged to experience this event.
The freshman class is also strongly encouraged to attend and to be thinking about performing in their SOMU next year. “I hope that the freshmen come and see the Sound of Music, and it makes them excited for next year. SOMU is probably one of the most memorable experiences you’ll probably have in college,” said Lorentzen.
The show has a running time of two hours and fifteen minutes with an intermission. Opening night is Thursday, Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m. There will be four showings from Thursday to Saturday, all starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at (https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/asbury-university/67985d04c0c40115b3db9bb7).
Photo courtesy of Julianne Knox.
