SAAC is pleased to welcome visiting director Ian Aipperspach to the July 20-30 summer musical production of “Newsies,” sponsored by Murphy USA. He brings a wealth of experience from the educational, community, and professional musical theatre worlds to SAAC, and he is excited to see the talent and commitment that our community has in store.
While Dr. Aippersbach has spent decades working in theatre, his most recent productions include music directing Mary Poppins with Ouachita Baptist University and Addams Family with East Texas Baptist University. Professional engagements have allowed him to serve as a stage director for Forever Plaid and as music director two of his favorites, Fiddler on the Roof and Maury Yeston’s Titanic.
Dr. Aipperspach serves as Lecturer of Music and Interim Conductor of the Ouachita Singers at Ouachita Baptist University where he also teaches courses in Musicology and Music Theory. Previous engagements have included productions with the Marshall (TX) Kids Community Theatre, East Texas Baptist University, Lubbock Christian University, and Lubbock Moonlight Musicals where he served as production manager for summer shows and music director. He holds the Ph.D. in Fine Arts from Texas Tech University.
On the production team, Dr. Aippersbach will be joined by assistant director Kaila Emery, choreographer Hannah Marsh and music director Charlsie Langley, all of whom are no strangers to the SAAC stage. Emery was seen onstage most recently as the titular character in the Second Stage production of “Sylvia,” and as Annelle in “Steel Magnolias.” Marsh has served as choreographer for both “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Mamma Mia!” A dancer by trade, she is the owner and instructor at Lucy’s Ladies dance studio. Langley, the choir director for the Smackover Norphlet School District, has served as music director for “Singing in the Rain” and “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” at SAAC as well as performed on stage Mable in “Pirates of Pensants” and Normal Desmond in “Sunset Boulevard.”
Set in turn-of-the century New York City, “Newsies” is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged newsboys. When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at their expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right! “Newsies” is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience.
Auditions are scheduled for June 3 and 4 at SAAC. Click here for audition information.
