A Performer’s Perspective On Celebration

As Lynn approaches its sixth annual Celebration of the Arts event, two members of the show’s ensemble cast reflected on their highlight moments during preparation.

Jessica Quigley, senior, will be performing her third Celebration tonight, while Sydney Belabin, freshman, will be making her debut as a cast member.

“Originally, I auditioned for Celebration of the Arts my freshman year when I was a new drama major,” said Quigley. “I wanted to jump into every show I possibly could.”

Quigley admired Celebration’s growth during her three years as a participant, but she credits the lasting friendships that she made during rehearsals as a reason for her continued return.

“My favorite part about being in Celebration is the friendships I’ve formed throughout the years,” said Quigley. “One person that I met my freshman year who became one of my best friends is Calvin Jordan.”

Friendships aside, cast members of Celebration look forward to the show’s variety of eclectic and entertaining song and dance numbers, including “Footloose,” a Celebration ensemble performance that has been favored by performers and audiences alike in past years.

“This year, I’m really excited to be part of ‘Footloose’ because I’ve always wanted to do that number and it makes me so happy that I got to do it my senior year,” said Quigley. “My favorite number that I have performed in would have to be ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialigosious’ because it was such a fun number and it was the first number I was ever a part of. It holds a special place in my heart.”

For Quigley, this year’s Celebration will mark the last of a vibrant performing career as a Lynn undergraduate.

“What I’ll miss most about Celebration are the people,” said Quigley. “I’ll miss seeing [my fellow cast members] three times a week to just dance around.”

For Belabin, first time performer, Celebration is a new realm of performance ready for exploration.

“Theatre is my passion and [Celebration] is something that I wanted to try,” said Belabin. “I wanted to be more daring and outgoing; working with my fellow peeps, dancing and singing my heart out.”

Belabin’s experience during months of preparation for the show was exactly what she was searching for when she ventured to find excitement at Lynn through performance.

“I would because I love it,” she said, referencing her plans to audition for future shows.

Like Quigley, Belabin highly anticipates performing “Footloose,” among other numbers.

“I’m looking forward to performing ‘Footloose’ and ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat,’” said Belabin. “[In the future,] I would like to see a number from ‘Shrek,’ ‘Freak Flag’ and maybe a song from Hamilton.”

Eager guests can prepare to delve into the world of musical theatre at 7:30 p.m. and watch Quigley, Belabin and the rest of the Celebration cast sing, dance and perform artistic renditions of theater’s finest works.

For more information about those involved with the show, including performers, faculty members and other participants who make Celebration possible each year, visit lynn.edu/events.

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