Ten Minute Musicals

Theatre Santa Fe Hits High Notes with Ten Minute Musicals

Theatre Santa Fe will captivate audiences with six unique performances in “Ten Minute Musicals” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, in the Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall on Santa Fe College’s Northwest Campus, 3000 NW 83 Street, Gainesville.

This student-run event offers a mix of popular songs from productions like “Chicago,” “Waitress,” “The Book of Mormon” and “Dreamgirls.” Associate Professor Russell Schultz, who is serving as an advisor to the production, shared that the showcase is a way to spotlight the students' musical talents.

Building on this idea, Cameron Varvel, one of the student directors, described the show as a “love letter to musical theater.” Varvel’s contribution takes the audience on a journey through the eyes of the “Man in the Chair,” who shares a mixtape of favorite songs.

“Our show is for the people who come to the theater to escape into a celebration of theatrical performance because, as the MC puts it, ‘It’s supposed to make you happier,’” Varvel said.

Director Gavin Panipinto will lead the piece “And I Am Telling You” from the Tony Award-winning “Dreamgirls,” featuring performer Bethany Anderson. This performance is not only a chance to highlight the talent of the students but also serves as an important learning experience.

“This production is an awesome opportunity for us Fine Arts students to really dig in and learn the process of directing a musical piece with lots of collaboration,” Panipinto said. “We’re excited to showcase our program’s many talents.”

From classic hits to unforgettable performances, this year’s “Ten Minute Musicals” promise to leave the audience humming with joy long after the curtain falls.

This event is sponsored and organized by the Santa Fe College Fine Arts and Entertainment Technology Department.

Tickets are $16 for adults; $10 for seniors, students and military service members and children 12 and under; and free for SF students, faculty, and staff with college ID cards. Tickets are available from the Fine Arts Hall Box Office at 352-395-4181 or online from Showpass at: showpass.com/ten-minute-plays.