UCM Theatre and Dance Presents “MyOhMy!” Rock-n-Roll Dance Concert at Powell Gardens

By Jeff Murphy, April 9, 2019

WARRENSBURG, MO – Enjoy the beauty of spring as University of Central Missouri Theatre and Dance presents the upcoming production of “MyOhMy! A Rock-n-Roll Dance Concert at Powell Gardens.” The production takes place at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 19 and 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, April 20 in the Missouri Barn at Powell Gardens, 20 miles west of Warrensburg on Highway 50.

UCM Theatre and Dance is going off campus with this 2019 spring dance concert within the exquisite landscape of the popular botanical destination. Accompanied by the live music of popular Kansas City rock 'n roll band, My Oh My!, the choreographers created dances for those attending to experience while they unwind, eat, drink and take some time to bask in the spring air. After the performance, guests can stay for more live music and social dancing in the beauty of Powell Gardens. A ticket purchase also provides the opportunity to access the botanical gardens to see many plants in full bloom.

Theatre and Dance faculty member Ashley Miller-Scully has developed a strong reputation for her innovative ideas when it comes to the annual dance concert and “MyOhMy!” is one of her most creative. She noted that the idea came to her while dancing to MyOhMy! at one of the group’s concerts.

“I’ve always been a big fan of the band and I knew I wanted to try and do something off campus that was less formal. I wanted an experience where the audience can relax, eat, drink, socialize, and hopefully dance too. I also felt that the music of ‘MyOhMy!’ would provide a new and inspiring challenge for my student choreographers.  I then thought about what places around Warrensburg would work for a dance concert and I love Powell Gardens, and since it was going to be spring, with the flowers blooming, I thought it would be really pretty,” she stated.

Miller-Scully added, “It was a lot of elements to bring together, but when I shared the idea with the band, Powell Gardens, the faculty and the students, they were all very enthusiastic and worked really hard to bring it all together.  I am incredibly excited to share this experience with our community.”

The “MyOhMy!” production dancers are Ashton Bennett, Christina Foster, Carly Othic, Eleanor Panico, Alley Pettey, Valerie Ruggle and Jaggard Williams. Choreographers are Ashley Miller-Scully, Amy Gilchrist, Ashton Bennett, Christina Foster, Carly Othic, and Alley Pettey.
 
My Oh My! The band is comprised of Adam Merker, vocals and guitar; Stephen Berry, guitar; Grant Buell, keyboards; Sarah Dolt, vocals; Melissa Geffert, vocals; Jason Harper, bass; and Jacob Horpinjuk, drums.

The production staff includes Director Ashley Miller-Scully; Scenic Designer Ken George; Costume Designer Kayla Jestila; Lighting Designer Cody Nelson; Sound Designers Seth Holt and Lili Garcia; Stage Manager Heather Marsh; Technical Director Kyle Yorg; Master Electrician Seth Sneary; Assistant Costume Designer Kenlyn Shettlesworth; Publicity Director Dr. Aaron Scully; Assistant Publicity Manager Tony Smith; Box Office Manager Blake Legens; House Manager Matthew Briggs; Assistant House Manager Iliana Miller; and Publicity Team Members Emily Layt, Erin Clavin, Elizabeth Henks, Ashton Bennett, Iliana Miller, Jacob Peck and Justin Dean.

This production of “MyOhMy!” is for all audiences over five years old.

Tickets are $7 for students, $12 for UCM Faculty/Staff and $15 for the general public. They can be purchased online at ucmo.edu/theatretickets, by calling 660-543-8811, or at the Box Office at the Highlander Theater between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. beginning Wednesday, April 10. Tickets also may be purchased at the venue prior to the show. Purchasing a ticket includes entrance to Powell Gardens. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the venue. Seating will be first come first serve and “doors” open 30 minutes prior to the start of the performance.