A life changing performance
for IU South Bend’s Choir By Tori Wilson
Back in September 2019, the director of the choir, Jeshua Franklin, received a phone call from the director of The Lion King Broadway production. Some of the cast would be in town on September 30, to promote the anticipated spring 2020 performance of The Lion King, which will be performed at the Morris Performing Arts Center. The cast needed a small group of singers for back up to perform on stage with them during the promotion. Of course, Franklin agreed without hesitation because it would be a great opportunity for his choir to gain valuable experience with a Broadway production and create an everlasting memory for his students. When asked how it felt to receive such a phone call, Franklin said, “It was a chance for the students to interact with Broadway performers. Although it did not hit the choir students at 32
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first that they would be performing alongside Broadway performers, as the preparation began, the students were eager for their cameo alongside the very popular Broadway production.” The performance took place at the Morris, in front of an audience of 200–300 people. The choir formed a semi-circle around the performers and showed the audience what they have been working on for this special night. Franklin prepared the choir for the performance in about 10 days with three rehearsals. Fortunately, the music was not difficult to learn. On the night of performance, Franklin had the joy of watching it all unfold. Franklin said this experience was one he will never forget. He was proud of his choir for putting in all the
preparation for the show and seeing their involvement in a once in a lifetime opportunity. “Sometimes, you think about how huge Broadway productions are, and it’s neat to realize that they do what we do but at a different level,” Franklin states. He mentioned that this performance was a great way to get out into the South Bend community and to represent IU South Bend. “Opportunities like this help bring the group together, and I hope there will be more opportunities for them to do things like this in the future,” Franklin says. It was an opportunity that the students and Franklin will not soon forget.
