A little theater, a little dance, some symphony
<p>David Mills performs a violin solo during a dress rehearsal of thr North Idaho College Theater Department original production "SYM" Wednesday at the college's Boswell Hall Schuler Performing Arts Center.</p>
<p>Gustave Lester, an NIC student, makes placement adjustments to his mic in the green room prior to dress rehearsal.</p>
<p>The cast of Gerard Mathes' "SYM" rehearses their parts involving songs and choreography.</p>
The world premiere of "SYM" - an original musical production which weds singing, dancing and improvisation to some good, old-fashioned joy and humor - continues tonight through Sunday at North Idaho College.
The performance is presented by NIC's Theatre Department, and admission is free.
The dramatic dance symphony was conceived and composed by NIC composition instructor Gerard Mathes.
"I've always wanted to collaborate with Gerard," said Joe Jacoby, NIC Theatre instructor. "He's really an amazing thinker. My job on this is to work with his music to find a way to put it on to the stage. The entire performance will take a little over an hour. There are a lot of beautifuli fun moments and there's something in it for everyone."
The evening promises singing, dancing - both choreographed and improvised - with moments of tango, waltz and a nod to rap. The music covers many styles - all of them inspired by philosophical ideas and ranging from goth to jazz to Latin.
"I can tell you what it's not," Jacoby said. "It's not a play, it's not a dance performance and it's not a symphony - it does, however, have elements of all three."
Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. tonight and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday in NIC's Boswell Hall Schuler Performing Arts Center on the college's main campus. All ages are welcome.