Author: Molly Grace Watkins

MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile is thrilled to announce its upcoming spring production of the beloved musical “Funny Girl.”

Led by a team of esteemed ASOTA faculty, including Shadoe Valentin as stage director, Greg Wiggins as conductor, Laura Thomason as assistant musical director, and Heidi Lemon as choreographer, this performance promises to captivate audiences with its passionate performances and timeless charm.

This event will be performed April 11-13 at 7 p.m. and April 14 at 3 p.m. at the university’s College Woods Auditorium. General admission is $20, and student tickets are $10. For more ticket information, visit umobile.edu/pas.

The Melodic Tale:

“Funny Girl” tells the inspiring story of Fanny Brice, a trailblazing comedienne and star of the Ziegfeld Follies, as she navigates the highs and lows of love, fame, and self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of New York City’s vibrant theatre scene in the early 20th century, this classic musical features unforgettable songs and heartwarming moments that have enchanted audiences for generations.

“We are more than excited to bring Fanny Brice’s story to the stage and showcase the incredible talent of our students,” says Shadoe Valentin, stage director of the production. 

“The students have been so invested and have worked so hard during this rehearsal process, making this story their own. This musical is a celebration of resilience, love, and the pursuit of dreams, and we can’t wait to share it with audiences.”

Characters Unveiled:

At the helm of UM’s presentation is senior musical theatre major and Mobile native, Claire Strong, who takes on the iconic role of Fanny Brice. With her exceptional talent and passion for performance, Strong promises to bring depth, humor, and authenticity to this beloved character. 

As Fanny Brice, Strong captures the essence of the character infusing the role with her remarkable vocals and captivating stage presence. Audiences can expect to be swept away by Strong’s nuanced portrayal, as she navigates the main character’s journey.

Joining Strong are ASOTA undergraduate and graduate performance majors, who showcase their immense talent and dedication to their craft in every aspect of the musical. Musical theatre majors and Mobile area natives, Gregory Naman (Eddie Ryan) and Jonah Nelson (Nick Arnstein), bring depth and authenticity to their respective roles. 

Naman portrays Eddie Ryan, a charming and loyal friend of Fanny Brice, providing comedic relief and unwavering support throughout her journey. 

Nelson embodies Nick Arnstein, a dashing and charismatic risk-taker who becomes romantically involved with Fanny, navigating the complexities of their relationship with both charm and vulnerability. 

Additionally, graduate student from Statesville, NC, Abigail Anderson as Mrs. Brice, adds a captivating presence to the production, portraying Fanny’s loving and protective mother. 

Additional Cast includes:

Allegra Fuller – Mrs. Nadler, Ensemble

Anna Geter – Jenny, Emma, Fanny Brice Understudy, Ensemble

Caden Dazzo – Florenz Ziegfield Jr.

Chesed Turner – Vera, Showgirl, Ziegfield Follie, Ensemble

Cory Anderson – Heckie, Mr. Renaldi, Adolph, Cornet Man 2, Ensemble

Erica Jackson – Mrs. O’Malley

Ian Blair – Tom Keeney, Featured Tenor, Ensemble

Jestavia Graham – Mrs. Meeker

Karli Alaniz – Bubbles, Showgirl, Ziegfield Follie, Ensemble

Maegan Eveleigh – Ziegfield Stage Director, Ensemble

Malik Johnson – Workman, Ben/Benji, Cornet Man 1, Ensemble

Michaella Owen – Dance Swing

Molly Grace Watkins – Polly, Cathy, Showgirl, Ziegfield Follie, Ensemble

Rebecca Duncan – Mimsey, Maude, Showgirl, Ziegfield Follie, Ensemble

Savannah Brannen – Mrs. Strakosh

From striking dance numbers to show-stopping musical performances, the cast of “Funny Girl” delivers a truly unforgettable theatrical experience that will leave audiences cheering for more.

Seize the Opportunity:

The production team is also extending a special invitation to college-interested high school students with a love for theatre to be a part of something extraordinary.

Join ASOTA as a special guest during the cast’s final dress rehearsal on Wednesday, April 10, where high school students will have the opportunity to interact with the cast and production team, gaining a behind the scenes peak into the world of theatre.

At the end of the rehearsal, there will be an open Q&A session with the cast and production team. This will present a valuable opportunity to learn from industry-bound students in collaboration with their professional mentors, and to pick their brains about their experiences regarding the entire process! 

Those interested may contact Shadoe Valentin at svalentin@umobile.edu.

For more information and to stay up to date on upcoming ASOTA events, visit umobile.edu/asota or follow on facebook and instagram, @um_asota.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs in over 90 areas of study. Founded in 1961, University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres. 

For more information about University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Molly Grace Watkins

Molly Grace Watkins is the Content Creator for the Office for Marketing and Public Relations at the University of Mobile. She is a full-time student in the College of Arts and Sciences, where she is pursuing a degree in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and Broadcasting. A published author, Molly Grace loves writing and being in front of the camera. She is an active member and volunteer at Cottage Hill Baptist Church. She also enjoys listening to music, going on long walks and driving her friends around in her blue MINI Cooper.

MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile is excited to bring back theatre and summer camps with options for students in 2^nd through 12^th grade!

Theatre Summer Camp:

If you love theatre, spend two weeks on the campus of the University of Mobile learning from world-class instructors who are committed to providing an encouraging and professional experience. In this camp, you will grow as a performer through workshops in acting, singing, and dancing.

The Theatre Summer Camp is for students ages 14-18 or who have completed 8^th-12^th grades. The 10-day camp will take place Mondays through Fridays, June 10-14 and June 17-21. On June 21 at 7 p.m., there will be a final showcase performance to display all that the participants learned throughout the 10-day camp. There are two different camp options to choose from. 

The first option includes intensives and the showcase rehearsals which will be 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Intensives will begin in the morning and conclude at 1:30 p.m. Showcase rehearsals will begin promptly at 1:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. 

This option is $500 per student. A non-refundable down payment of $75 is required to secure a camp spot at registration. “Early Bird Specials” of $450 are also available for campers who pay a down payment before April 5, 2024.

The second camp option includes intensives only. These intensives will be from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The second option is $375 per student. “Early Bird Specials” of $325 are also available for campers who pay a down payment before April 5, 2024.

For both options, a non-refundable down payment of $75 is also required to secure a camp spot at registration. Additionally, a sibling discount of 10% for any additional child attending.

All campers will attend daily intensives which will cover the following topics through classes and workshops:

• Acting
• Dance
• Auditioning
• Combat
• Improv
• Theatrical makeup 
• Music/Voice

Campers who choose to participate in the showcase will rehearse daily in the afternoons. Each camper will receive a camp t-shirt with enrollment and a daily snack.

Music Summer Camp:

Avoid an entire week of screen-time and register your rising 2nd-5th grader for the University of Mobile’s Summer Music Camp!

Each day will be full of exciting and age-appropriate learning. Students will have the opportunity to explore different kinds of instruments, learn music theory, sing, dance, perform and more! The Summer Music Camp will take place June 24-28 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Friday, June 28 at 2:30 p.m., there will be a final showcase performance to display all that the participants learned throughout the camp. 

Campers who register before April 5, 2024 will receive an “Early Bird Special” of $175.  Camp tuition will increase to $200 on April 6, 2024. A non-refundable down payment of $50 is required to secure a spot at registration.  A sibling discount of 10% is available for any additional child attending, and after-care is available for an additional $50 for the week.

All campers will attend daily classes which will cover the following topics: 

All campers will receive a camp t-shirt and a daily snack.

For more information on the ASOTA summer camps as well as where to enroll, visit asota.umobile.edu/summer-camps.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs in over 90 areas of study. Founded in 1961, University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres. 

For more information about University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Molly Grace Watkins

Molly Grace Watkins is the Content Creator for the Office for Marketing and Public Relations at the University of Mobile. She is a full-time student in the College of Arts and Sciences, where she is pursuing a degree in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and Broadcasting. A published author, Molly Grace loves writing and being in front of the camera. She is an active member and volunteer at Cottage Hill Baptist Church. She also enjoys listening to music, going on long walks and driving her friends around in her blue MINI Cooper.

MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile invites you to a Black History Month celebration concert directed by Worship Leadership student, Kenneth Brandon.

This event will be held on Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. at UM’s College Woods Center. This concert is free and open to the public.

In celebration of Black History Month, Brandon says, “This evening will focus on the rich heritage and unmistakable sound of gospel music. The evening will be a celebration of Christ’s nature through an incredible demonstration of culture.”

Thomas Andrew Dorsey was an American musician, composer, and Christian evangelist influential in the development of early blues and 20th-century gospel music. He penned 3,000 songs, a third of them gospel, including “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” and “Peace in the Valley.”

Ricky Rydell Dillard, born in 1965, is an American gospel musician who currently has written many different albums. All of his Christian albums charted on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart.

This evening is a true celebration of the evolution of gospel music. ASOTA students are featured vocalists at this event.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs in over 90 areas of study. Founded in 1961, University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres. 

For more information about University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Molly Grace Watkins

Molly Grace Watkins is the Content Creator for the Office for Marketing and Public Relations at the University of Mobile. She is a full-time student in the College of Arts and Sciences, where she is pursuing a degree in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and Broadcasting. A published author, Molly Grace loves writing and being in front of the camera. She is an active member and volunteer at Cottage Hill Baptist Church. She also enjoys listening to music, going on long walks and driving her friends around in her blue MINI Cooper.

MOBILE, Ala. – Are you looking to listen to Christmas music this season that has been arranged by one of the University of Mobile’s finest?

Look no further! Steve Dunn, chair of the department of music and director of instrumental music in the Alabama School of the Arts, has always added his Christmas arrangements to his website. If you click on the music player at the bottom, you can hear close to an hour of Christmas music he has arranged over the years. 

Among the music listed on his website is his composition “Pelican Dance” which was listed in Bandworld’s top 100 pieces of 2023! 

Dunn says, “I was shocked and honored to learn that Bandworld included my composition ‘Pelican Dance’ in its top 100 pieces of 2023. What a special way to end the year!”

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Molly Grace Watkins

Molly Grace Watkins is the Content Creator for the Office for Marketing and Public Relations at the University of Mobile. She is a full-time student in the College of Arts and Sciences, where she is pursuing a degree in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and Broadcasting. A published author, Molly Grace loves writing and being in front of the camera. She is an active member and volunteer at Cottage Hill Baptist Church. She also enjoys listening to music, going on long walks and driving her friends around in her blue MINI Cooper.

MOBILE, Ala. – A former University of Mobile student has found incredible success on Season 24 of NBC’s The Voice.

Grant Bias, known as “Bias,” has advanced to the Top Nine as a member of Team Gwen led by American singer-songwriter, Gwen Stefani.

Bias attended the University of Mobile as a Worship Leadership major and toured nationally and internationally in the world-renowned group, the VOICES of Mobile, from 2018 to 2021. He was a featured soloist in several large Alabama School of the Arts productions such as Christmas Spectacular and Saviour.

“I remember Grant Bias’ audition for ASOTA. I remember thinking ‘this guy is going to do great things.’ He was a confident singer and performer back then and only grew stronger in those gifts during his time at UM. He was the guy that could sing gospel or jazz – and do it all well,” says Jenna Goodwin, artistic director and executive director of administration for the Alabama School of the Arts.

In college, Bias had the opportunity to work with many ASOTA staff including Dr. Kathryn Hedlund, chair of ASOTA Graduate Studies, associate professor of music and director of vocal studies.

Hedlund says, “Working with Grant in the voice studio was a lot of fun. His voice was so versatile, he would try anything I suggested, and always came in with a great attitude, ready to work. He sang everything from French art song to Italian arias to musical theatre to worship songs, and it has served him so well in his journey. We would joke around about whether he was a tenor or a baritone, because his voice really did it all.”

As part of the VOICES of Mobile, Bias gained career experience and was able to perform in some of the greatest venues in the world, including the White House. He even recorded on several VOICES of Mobile albums during his time at UM.

The VOICES of Mobile is a highly versatile, auditioned vocal ensemble which presents over 200 concerts every year through regional and international tours. Their highly visible and consistent performing schedule offers students an unparalleled experience. The group is directed by Dr. Roger Breland, Collin Clardy and Hannah Clardy.

When describing his experience with Bias, Collin Clardy says, “It was a pleasure to lead Grant Bias! He’s truly one of those special people whose exceptional talent is paired with unparalleled drive and passion for everything he does. Whether he was on stage nailing a solo or was off stage wrapping a cable, he always did it all to the best of his ability, honoring God in the process.”

Grant Bias, the University of Mobile is cheering you on and here to support you along the way! We are so excited about your success thus far and cannot wait to see where this journey takes you!

To vote for Bias, head to either the NBC website or The Voice app!

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Molly Grace Watkins

Molly Grace Watkins is the Content Creator for the Office for Marketing and Public Relations at the University of Mobile. She is a full-time student in the College of Arts and Sciences, where she is pursuing a degree in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and Broadcasting. A published author, Molly Grace loves writing and being in front of the camera. She is an active member and volunteer at Cottage Hill Baptist Church. She also enjoys listening to music, going on long walks and driving her friends around in her blue MINI Cooper.

MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile will present the piano workshop entitled “Piano and Chamber works by Kazakh Composers.”

The workshop is under the direction of Steinway Artist ’ Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva, director of piano studies and professor of music, and will take place Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. in Moorer Auditorium, Thomas T. Martin Hall.

Students from the National University of Costa Rica will join UM students via Zoom for the workshop, which introduces official works by Kazakhstan’s cherished composers in an educational display of music and artistry.

UM students will perform. They include Gaukhar Kenessova, Rebecca Reed, Marc Marquis and Luke Graham. 

The event is free and open to the public.

To learn more about Alabama School of the Arts events, please visit umobile.edu/asota or call the Alabama School of the Arts at 251.442.2383.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Molly Grace Watkins

Molly Grace Watkins is the Content Creator for the Office for Marketing and Public Relations at the University of Mobile. She is a full-time student in the College of Arts and Sciences, where she is pursuing a degree in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and Broadcasting. A published author, Molly Grace loves writing and being in front of the camera. She is an active member and volunteer at Cottage Hill Baptist Church. She also enjoys listening to music, going on long walks and driving her friends around in her blue MINI Cooper.