OFFICE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS

CURRENT NEWS RELEASES

NEWS ARCHIVE

SPEAKERS' BUREAU

ATHLETIC NEWS

FINE ARTS EVENTS

CALENDAR

CAMPUS BULLETIN

ACADEME

HUNTINGTON UNIV MAGAZINE

Mishpachah, Inc., to present 'Dead Serious...About Life'

FOR RELEASE January 16, 2007

Mishpachah, Inc.

HUNTINGTON, IN—On Jan. 27 and 28, a musical drama performance of “Dead Serious...About Life” will be presented at Huntington University’s Merillat Centre for the Arts in the Zurcher Auditorium. 

The performance on Jan. 27 begins at 6 p.m., and the Sunday performance begins at 3 p.m. The musical will be performed by a group called Mishpachah, Inc., which is based out of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Mishpachah, Inc., is an auditioned group of high school students who participate in this community drama/music group. The group’s unique name, “Mishpachah,” is a Hebrew word that means family or clan. “Mish,” as the group is called, is known for its radical and exceptional style and choreography. In the ’06-’07 performance year, the group consists of 34 performers and five technicians, representing 15 school districts and 30 churches.

Since June of 1989, the group has been performing the musical “Dead Serious...About Life,” which deals with many issues with which teens have to cope. The underlying subject matter is teenage suicide. The group wrote the script. The music and lyrics were written especially for Mishpachah by Jay Banks.

“Dead Serious...About Life” is a musical written to appeal to teenagers. It is upfront...it is blunt...it is life! The story begins at Todd and Stephanie’s house. Mom and Dad have left for the weekend, so let the party begin! Throughout the course of the evening, the audience will meet the characters with their different personalities, their numerous problems and their view about their lives. “Dead Serious” will expose us all to the issues of abortion, alcohol, drugs, religion, sex and suicide...issues that all too often we don’t want to talk about it or face. Well, hang onto your seat, ’cause this musical cuts it wide open. It will make the audience laugh, cry, hurt, fear and feel...but most of all “Dead Serious” will make you take a second look at life.

In the past, the group has performed at various churches, civic organizations, youth events, Cincinnati Convention Center, various church camps, Eden Park, shopping malls, numerous high schools, Six Flags Over Mid America, Kings Island Amusement Park and Disney World. They have toured to Florida, Colorado, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee, New York, Georgia, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Alabama and Ohio.

The group has performed this musical for more than 100,000 people and has counseled more than 8,000 young people following their performances. Not only has this ministry changed the lives of those teens who participate, but thousands of others who have had the opportunity to see this production.

For ticket information about the performance at Huntington University, call (800) 459-7268. Tickets are $7 in advance and $8 at the door. Tickets will be pre-sold only until Jan. 24.  The group does advise people to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are NOT available at the MCA Box Office.

Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S.News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

# # #