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New director leads song and dance group

Clintonville’s Nathan J. Michael has 20 men and women representing seven local communities preparing for their April song and dance performances of Shine.

Michael assumed Con Brio’s directorship last summer following the troupe’s spring debut.

“After founding Con Brio last year, I wanted to find someone to lead this fantastic group of people to the next level of excellence,” said founding director, Lisa Ott. “Nathan was a performing, charter member of Con Brio; and I was thrilled when he accepted the directorship. Audiences are going to love this year’s presentation.”

Michael, who is 22 years old and has been involved in numerous musicals and plays in the surrounding area during the past seven years, convenes the troupe every Sunday afternoon to rehearse.

“The commitment of each member of Con Brio is amazing.” Michael said. “We began rehearsing in January, and we perform in April. Each member invests countless hours outside of Sunday rehearsals working on choreography, and the results are terrific.”

Performances, slated for 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 20 and 21, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 22, at the New London High School Auditorium, will feature pieces from Broadway musicals Newsies, Sweet Charity, and Thirteen, along with other upbeat tunes and theatrical presentations.

“The choreography in this show is electric,” Ott said.

Michael and Larsen-resident, Jessica McGinnis, also a charter member of the group, choreographed all of the music.

This year’s venue is twice the size of last year’s location, and members are looking forward to performing on the high school’s beautiful, spacious stage.

“We hope many will come to enjoy our presentations,” Michael said.

In an effort to keep the arts affordable for everyone, no tickets are required for the concerts, and there is no charge at the door. To help cover the expenses of this performing season, Con Brio members and friends will operate the New London Piggly Wiggly brat stand the weekend of April 13-15. The troupe will also collect a freewill offering at each performance.

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