Spring Sing goes retro

March 8, 2016 | Theatre |

On March 24-26, more than 75 percent of students active in social clubs will participate in the 43rd annual Spring Sing show, “Retro-bution.”

Dr. Steven Frye has been the director of the production for the last 22 years and has worked alongside his wife, Dottie, to produce the show.

“I love working with my wife in theatre, in Spring Sing, in church and at home,” Frye said. “She is reason for the smile on my face.”

Frye is looking forward to the way the show will connect audience members and participants of all ages this year. According to Frye, Spring Sing is about people, purpose and perspective. It allows students the opportunity to showcase their talents for a greater cause while also presenting the community with a chance to get involved.

“I’m excited about the show because it ties us together across generations,” Frye said. “It gathers up so much of what makes Spring Sing a one-of-a-kind event. We celebrate the era that created Spring Sing and so much of the heritage and growth from Harding College to Harding University.”

The ensemble and hosts will guide the audience on a journey back in time through this year’s retro theme, and the show will highlight the greatest moments of pop culture from the 70s and 80s.

The show’s trip through past decades will be accompanied by the diverse club performances featuring themes such as Toddlers and Tiaras, Peter Pan, Congress, Wonderland, Dr. Seuss, Aztecs and conquistadors, vampires, and the Antarctic.

“Nostalgia is never new,” Frye said. “But the pull to step back in time is simply irresistible. Retro style suggests a modern look containing elements of a previous era. Spring Sing started in the 70s and grew up in the 80s. We have come a long way as a university and as a production since then. Yet, no matter the time and distance covered, it still seems that the music, the movies, and the pop culture of the 70s and the 80s keeps on keepin’ on! So, why fight it? It’s time for Retro-bution!”