Published June 18, 2009 09:06 am - June 18, 2009
Cool music, hot shows
NSU’s River City Music Show and Downtown Country are spectacular summer entertainment.
By RENEE FITE
Press Special Writer
Whether your musical tastes run to country, rock ‘n’ roll, or jukebox pop hits, the singers, dancers and musicians comprising Northeastern State University’s Downtown Country and River City Players roll out Branson-style performances that will keep audience members’ toes tapping and hearts singing.
And with the summer heat bringing on 90-degree temperatures already, what better way to enjoy cool summer entertainment than in the air-conditioned comfort of the NSU Playhouse and Shawnee Street Theater?
Costumes and lighting tease out the beauty of the shows, spotlighting the players and their music.
“It’s a wonderful training ground for young performers, or performers who want to try it out on the professional level,” said Megan White, managing director for the summer series and director of NSU’s Sequoyah Institute.
Together, the two shows will provide 64 performances this summer, June 18 through Aug. 8.
“The entertainers bring their A-game every single night,” White said. “Instead of spending a lot of money traveling to Branson, why not enjoy some good, clean, family entertainment in your own backyard?”
Some cast members are new this season, and for others, this may be their last.
Patrick Vaughn, 22, of Cleveland, Okla., is a senior at NSU, majoring in hospitality and tourism management. He plans to get a master’s in higher education administration and hopes to work in the student affairs field.
This is his first time to perform with Downtown Country.
“My friends Jordan Rozell and Kim Hurt knew I could sing and encouraged me to audition,” Vaughn said. “They made it sound fun.”
And they’re right.
“I’m glad I did,” he said. “It’s a lot of work, but an incredible experience.”
Vaughn feels like he can better help other college students by collecting a wide range of involvement and experiences.
“The experience of an actual show, being a part of something very few people get to do, is great,” he said. “And getting to know 12 or 13 more people is, too.”