SPASH Showtime 2018: Don’t Go Breakin’ My Heart

By Manuel Lupercio
SPASH Reporter

“Showtime” is an annual dance and music show hosted by SPASH’s choir and music department. This year’s show will be held May 3-6.

Tickets will be available at Jim Laabs Music, for general admission and reserved seating, and Heid Music for general admission starting April 14, and in front of the auditorium at SPASH from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Showtime and choir director Deb Pionek, who performed in “Showtime” during its 1979 debut, has been working hard with her choir students for their big group acts, as well as helping all of the other acts in the show.

The 85-member choir will be accompanied by SPASH band students, under the direction of Brad Schmidt.

Technical director Bryant Hedrington and lighting technician Ben Hellenbrand are assisting SPASH’s stage crew in providing a great show.

SPASH senior Rachel Wadina, who is choreographing the show, said the task is “super fun yet very difficult”, adding that working with 60 students can be “very overwhelming”.

“But it’s wonderful to know that I’m a part of the group,” she added. “Last year I was unable to be in ‘Showtime’ because I had my dance recital the same weekend. To make up for the grade I choreographed the show…I love doing it, and it’s a great experience for me.”

Senior Noah Tolbert said it’s his last year in the choir, and he’ll miss it.

“Choir kids get to put together something that’s our own and bring it to life on stage,” he said. “I’ve had some amazing experiences with ‘Showtime’. This is my last year doing it, and honestly, I’m a bit sad but, at the same time, I’m glad that I’m going out on a high note with so much good to remember.”

Now in its 39th year, “Showtime” tickets are $12 for reserved seating and $10 for general admission. Showtimes are 7 p.m. May 3-5, and 2 p.m. on May 6, at SPASH, 1201 North Point Dr. in Stevens Point.