Alex Paul
Arts and Entertainment Editor
Get ready guys, gals and non-binary pals and put your hands together for a Rhode Island College mainstage theater production. This year’s spring musical,” Head Over Heels,” will be performed a total of five times between Thursday, April 13 and Sunday, April 16.
“Head Over Heels” has a plot originally based off of “The Countess of Pembroke’s Arcadia,” a 16th century play, by Sir Phillip Sydney. “Head Over Heels” was written as an original book by Jeff Whitty, and adapted into a musical by James Mamgruder.
“Head Over Heels” will feature jukebox ‘80s songs by the Go-Go’s including, “We Got the Beat,” “Our Lips are Sealed” and “Vacation” as well as songs by Belinda Carlisle including, “Heaven is a Place on Earth” and “Mad About You.”
First debuting in summer of 2018, the original Broadway production was nominated for several awards in 2019. Reminiscent of other Broadway musicals and productions such as “Hedwig and the Angry Itch,” “Avenue Q” and “Spring Awakening,” “Head Over Heels” merges and celebrates comedy and love.
The plot of this story follows the royal family of Arcadia on their outrageous journey to save their beloved kingdom from extinction by finding their “Beat.” Over the course of two acts, the king, queen and two daughters endure four trials to test their wills and loyalties. Romantic shenanigans ensue with potential suitors, royal subterfuge and plot twists.
Since the play was well received in the past, it is exciting to see it being performed by our very own theater program. We encourage you to check it out and support our performers.
This production is directed by Bill Wilson, choreographed by Angelica Vessella and the music is directed by Stephen DeCesare.
The musical itself will take place in the auditorium located in Roberts Hall. Show times include 7:30 p.m. performances from Thursday through Saturday as well as a 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
This event requires tickets to be purchased ahead of time. See RIC’s box office website for details and ticket prices. Don’t let this even pass you by, come on down and enjoy the show.