A magical forest, familiar Broadway favorites and a collection of stories about love, friendship and reconciliation will come together when Westminster College presents “Songs from Arden” Nov. 13 and 15 at Beeghly Theatre in Patterson Hall on the College’s campus.

A musical revue inspired by Shaina Taub and Laurie Woolery’s musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s “As You Like It,” the production brings together memorable songs and scenes from a variety of musical theater favorites. Set against the backdrop of Arden, Shakespeare’s enchanted forest, the revue explores themes of family, forgiveness and love through selections from “As You Like It,” “Into the Woods,” “Lost in Neverland,” “Wicked” and “Bright Star.”

In Arden, families reunite, friends are forgiven and lovers find their way back to one another, creating a setting for an evening of music and storytelling that celebrates the connections that bring people together.

The Westminster production is directed by Meghan Walsh, with Michael Martin serving as stage manager. The production team also includes James Dworek, technical director; Hunter Peterson, music director; Rose Fette, choreographer; and Dr. Ryan Keeling, conductor.

The student cast includes:
•    Abbey Beadle, a first-year music education major from Rochester, Pa.
•    Speranza Capocci, a junior vocal music performance major from Cranberry Township, Pa.
•    Abby Christy, a junior music education major from Mercer, Pa.
•    Iris Davis, a first-year pre-nursing major from Johnstown, Pa.
•    Amelia Klinar, a senior double major in strategic communication and social media and music from Canonsburg, Pa.
•    Elena Macdonald, a senior double major in English and music from Atlantic Heights, N.J.
•    Veronica Miller, a sophomore early childhood education/special education major from West Sunbury, Pa.
•    Morgan Myers, a sophomore nursing major from Ellwood City, Pa.
•    Sophia Smith, a sophomore double major in music education and vocal music performance from Dayton, Pa.
•    Liam Slicker, a sophomore double major in history and music from Hermitage, Pa.
•    Braydan Springer, a sophomore double major in music education and vocal music performance from West Salem, Ohio
•    Clay Torr, a sophomore music education major from Sharon, Pa.

Sponsored by Westminster’s School of Music and Department of Theatre, performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, in Beeghly Theatre. The production is open to the public. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and children. Admission is free for Westminster faculty and staff.

Tickets may be purchased online at titan.booktix.com.

“Songs from Arden” is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide, Inc. “As You Like It,” the musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s play, was originally commissioned and produced by The Public Theater under Artistic Director Oskar Eustis and Executive Director Patrick Willingham, with orchestrations and band arrangements by Mike Brun.

For more information, contact Dr. Daniel Perttu at perttude@westminster.edu or Dr. Kristianne Kalata at kalatak@westminster.edu.

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