IF YOU'LL BE IN SEARCY THIS WEEKEND ....

... thought you might be interested in this from the Harding University campus:

Harding students to perform original musical production

SEARCY - Step back in time with Harding University's production of "CPR the Musical: Featuring Music of the '50s, '60s and '70s," a student-written musical opening Friday, April 14, in the Administration Auditorium.

The show will run at 7 p.m. April 14, 16 and 17, in addition to a 3 p.m. showing April 15.

It's the 1960s, and all Mandy wants to do is get into medical school. After struggling with exams and having her boyfriend break up with her, two fairy godmothers step in to try and make things right for her. The only problem is they cannot get along with each other.

"What follows is a wacky ride through the music of the '50s, '60s and '70s," says Laurie Padgett, senior co-writer who plays Rita, a guardian angel from the '70s.

Senior Jeremy Painter, co-writer who plays several characters throughout the show, calls the show a "battle of the decades in every sense of the phrase."

Senior Megan Gilbert, who plays Glo, a fairy godmother from the '50s, and senior Susie Loveland, technical director, also helped write the script.

Faculty director and co-writer Robin Miller says this group of students has been most enjoyable to work with."It is always an interesting experience creating a theatrical event from scratch," Miller says. "[The students] learn about areas of theatre that undergraduates rarely have the opportunity to experience."

Padgett says writing a musical is a huge undertaking. "There is so much that goes into the process that you don't even realize."Painter adds, "We spent hours upon hours in the media lab, listening to oldies, developing a story, writing scenes and tightening our plot."

Padgett says audience members of all ages are sure to enjoy this musical review. "It's a show for everyone - tunes we all know and love and problems we've all been through."

General admission tickets are $5 each. They may be purchased in advance at the Benson Auditorium ticket window or at the door. For more information, call (501) 279-4445.