A tradition of youthful, artistic talent continues with “Lyrics 17: Evolution!” at Gary’s West Side Theatre.
The 90-minute musical revue is all about “telling stories through song, dance and spoken word,” according to director Mark Spencer.
Set for 7 p.m. Saturday, the production features more than 80 performers, he said.
“Our focus is celebratory,” Spencer said in regard to the tone of the show.
Noting that the West Side Theatre Guild presented its first “Lyrics” 20 years ago in 1996, Spencer said the 17th edition is designed to be a tribute-style retrospective.
It also presents a wide age range. “We’re talking 8 to 80 is our objective,” said Spencer, artistic director of the West Side Theatre Guild, which is based at Gary’s West Side Leadership Academy.
The Gary Community School Corporation will be well represented at Saturday’s show.
“About 60 percent of the participants are kids from our district,” Spencer, a Gary resident, said. “It is a show for displaying the artistic talent of our young people.”
They will be accompanied by a live band. The musical direction will be provided by Marcus Heffner.
In charge of choreography will be Gary’s Asia Dickens. She was a Luvabulls cheerleader from 2010 to 2013 for the Chicago Bulls.
Dickens also studied dance in New York City at the prestigious Ailey School, which is a branch of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
For “Lyrics 17,” there will be dancing that tells a story.
“There’s definitely going to be some lyrical pieces,” said Dickens, pointing to a Justin Timberlake work as an example.
Hip-hop is likewise in the mix, including Kanye West’s “Love Lockdown,” Dickens said.
Additionally, she assures the show will gallop out of the gates.
“The opening number has electrifying energy in it,” Dickens said.
A Beyonce song will help launch the vibrant opening of the show.
“Lyrics 17” is being called “Vol. 1” of a salute to the history of the energetic series. “There will be a ‘Vol. 2’ either in the fall or spring,” Spencer said.
“Lyrics 16: Takin’ It to the Streets” was presented last spring by the West Side Theatre Guild.
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Tickets are available at Billco’s Barber Shop, 2448 Broadway, and Big Daddy’s Barbeque, 4213 Cleveland St., both in Gary.
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance writer.
“Lyrics 17: Evolution!”
Where: West Side Theatre at West Side Leadership Academy, 900 Gerry St., Gary
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Tickets: $10 in advance, $15 at the door
Information: 219-977-2198, ext. 11; facebook.com/The-West-Side-Theatre-Guild-141396619233698/info?tab=overview