A night at the Glenn Island Casino
Natalie Larson, Senior Writer
During the 1940s Glennn Miller couldn’t join the Army because of his bad eyesight, so to support the fighting men, he formed the Army/Air Force Band. His musical legacy remains a part of American culture today.
On Jan. 26, the Sunburst Club will open the 23rd “An Evening with Glenn Miller” in the Utah State University Ballroom. This year’s theme will be “A Moonlight Serenade,” set in the Glenn Island Casino in New Rochelle, N.Y., where Miller made his debut.
“It’s going to be a great show,” said director Derek Furch. “It’s got novelty, gorgeous costumes and a wonderful group of singers and dancers.”
This formal evening will begin at 7 p.m. with an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner and live music. After about an hour and a half the floor show will begin and last until 10:30 p.m., when the floor will open for dancing until midnight.
The show will continue until March 2 with performances every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. A special performance will also be given Valentine’s Day.
Tickets cost $41.95 plus tax and can be reserved by calling (435) 797-3600. Two exclusive student nights, Feb. 2 and 21, will cost $25 for students and their guests.
Last year, more than 9,000 people attended the event, Furch said.
“The real purpose behind this show is to help with public relations for the university. We’re an outreach program,” he said.
Kevin Jones, a performer in the show, said, “Honestly, this is the coolest thing I’ve ever done in my life.”
Jones said the director and performers have all been very professional.
“Derek is so masterminded in the art of performance,” Jones said. “He has amazing ability as a director and an incredible knowledge of music. He knows how to put on a good production.”
The 24 Sunburst Singers and Dancers have been rehearsing 20 hours a week through the year, Jones said, and have upped it to well over that as show time nears.
When asked about the sacrifice of his time and social life, Jones said, “This is my social life. I don’t know how I couldn’t be a part of something like this.”
Furch said the performers are wonderful, dedicated and “keep their spirits up,” even with the long hours.
After March 2, the show will travel to Salt Lake City, the Tuacahn theater in St. George, Burley and possibly Japan, Furch said.
For more information see the Web site at www.usu.edu/ ~sunburst.