Students, alumni, families, friends and guests of Harding University are invited April 15-17 for the 47th annual Spring Sing.
The musical variety show, in a modified format, will feature over 500 performers with the spectacle and joy that is a hallmark of the annual event. The event will be open to a limited live audience approved by the Arkansas Department of Health, and social clubs will be masked and limited in numbers onstage throughout the performance. Campus COVID-19 guidelines will also be in effect.
Dr. Steven Frye, Spring Sing director for the past 26 years, says this year’s show, “Twice Upon a Time,” will lead viewers on the adventure of a lifetime.
“‘Twice upon a time.’ Four simple words,” Frye said. “But the words transport you — you know at once what it is you’re about to see and hear. You may not know the details. You may not recognize the characters. But you are ready all the same to take on all of the unknown, because you know it leads somewhere. You are ready to succumb to the world of the story. The stories we tell help us make sense of our world. Whether it is fantasy, history, mystery or the first days of college, you know the story will bring you home.”
For more than 46 years, Searcy has been home to this musical extravaganza involving thousands of talented, energetic university students. More than 20 social clubs will participate in the club performances with themes like birds, monkeys, candyland, spies, sloths, farmers, and emotions. Additionally, ensemble cast members and four hosts and hostesses will perform accompanied by the Harding University Jazz Band. Each club performance is judged, and results are tallied and announced at the end of Saturday night’s performance. The clubs compete for cash prizes to be donated in their name to the local charity of their choice.
“Every life is a story that is being told in every action, every word, every song,” Frye said. “Come let us tell you a story. It starts ‘Twice Upon a Time.’”
Audience seating will require masks and social distance and will allow family groups of two to six people to sit together.
Show times are Thursday, April 15 at 7 p.m.; Friday, April 16 at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, April 17 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in Benson Auditorium. Tickets may be purchased at hardingtickets.com or by calling 501-279-4255. The performance will also be available for live pay-per-view to individuals and groups on Saturday night, April 17 at 7 p.m. through Broadway on Demand. For more information visit harding.edu/springsing.
Harding University is a private Christian, liberal arts university located in Searcy, Arkansas. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, it is the largest private university in the state. Harding’s student body represents students from across the U.S. and more than 50 nations and territories. The University offers more than 100 undergraduate majors; more than 50 graduate and professional programs including master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees, graduate certificates and endorsements; as well as numerous study abroad opportunities including locations in Australasia, Peru, England, Greece, Italy and Zambia. For more information, visit harding.edu.
