IONIA COMMUNITY THEATRE PRESENTS FREE MUSICAL PERFORMANCE ‘THAT’S WHAT WE CALL SHOWTUNES’

“That’s What We Call Showtunes” is a musical revue comprised of various numbers from modern Broadway shows, circa 2000 – 2019. The Ionia Community Theatre will be offering the show this weekend with free admission to give back to the community and to raise funds during the pre-show bake sale and silent auction.

The auditions had an abundance of talent with thespians showing up from miles away. With more than 20 musical numbers, the show will be a little different each day.

“The group songs will be the same for both shows, but the solos will be different; so come on out for both shows and see all of this amazing talent,” said Lauren Vaughn, who is producing her first musical. “This has been a very enjoyable experience and I am so proud of this cast, crew and director Amanda Hall.”

Some of the songs being featured come from the shows “Hamilton – An American Musical,” “Waitress,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” “Anastasia” and many more.

Director Hall hopes “That’s What We Call Showtunes” will pique interest in future ICT shows.

“The show being free allows us to provide quality entertainment for the local communities while also bringing attention to our group and our productions,” she said.

ICT works hand in hand with the Historic Ionia Theatre on brick-laden Main Street. In holding a show there, it is ICT’s hope that members of the community will also support the theatre and local dining establishments.

Community theatre is not without its speed bumps and one that Ionia Community Theatre has happened upon is that of not enough equipment to support all the talent as the group grows. The objective of this show is to raise funds for new microphones. ICT members and the community alike will be providing baked goods for a bake sale and items for a silent auction.

Co-chair of Promotions Shawn Jansma has spent countless hours putting the silent auction together to showcase the area’s fine businesses.

“The idea behind the auction wasn’t just to help raise money for an amazing cause, but also for people to have a different experience through the auction items,” Jansma said. “We want people to go out and try new things in the local communities.”

Just a few of the items being offered at the auction are passes to AJ’s Family Fun Center, TreeRunner Grand Rapids Adventure Park passes, and a deluxe room stay and comedy passes at Candlestone Golf Resort.

“That’s What We Call Showtunes” is free this weekend at the Ionia Theatre at 205 W. Main St. in Ionia. The show starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25. Doors open an hour before the show for the bake sale and silent auction.

Ionia Community Theatre’s Mission is to enrich our community by providing exceptional live theater for people of all ages. We mentor the next generation of theater lovers and produce shows for the enjoyment of our audiences and volunteers.