This week 260 students at Whitewater High School are diligently preparing for what has become a Whitewater tradition – the annual chorus production of “Whitewater Spectacular.” This year, the fifth such production, will encompass the theme, “Dance to the Music: A Tribute to Music of Our Past.”

Whitewater High School opened in 2003 at the Lafayette Education Center with only 400 freshman students. The choral department, under the direction of Kelly Butler, included 90 of the students. Butler came to Whitewater after two years as the assistant choral director at Fayette County High School with Janice Folsom. She also came with a vision to create a wonderful tradition in the performing arts. Since 2003, the department has grown with each additional class to over 260 singers and three paid staff members. Craig Hembree joined the team in 2005 and now serves as the technical director of “Whitewater Spectacular.” Hannah Beth Potter is the assistant director of choral activities and also serves as the assistant director of the show.

“When I was in my high school choral department, we did a dessert theater that included all students. Some of my favorite high school memories were in rehearsal for the production,” stated Butler. “The performing arts provide a unique opportunity for teamwork and relationship building that isn’t available very often in the class setting.”

The show will feature a big band with many Fayette County community musicians. From the nostalgic “Sisters” song, with their feather fans, to the forever popular “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” this production has something for everyone.

“The moment when all 260 performers are on stage singing their heart out to a sold-out crowd makes all the hard work worthwhile,” said Butler. “The students leave feeling wonderful about what they have accomplished, with new friends and awesome memories. The quality show that our team produces is truly extraordinary.”

The Whitewater Spectacular show dates are Thursday, March 27, Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March 29 at 7 p.m. nightly. A show will also be performed on Sunday, March 30 at 2:30 p.m.

All performances will take place in the Whitewater High School auditorium. Tickets are on sale to the general public at the front office of Whitewater High School and are $10 each.

Several performances are expected to be sold out, so make sure you order yours by e-mailing Amy Puleo, ticket coordinator, at blessedb3@aol.com.

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