The University of Lynchburg’s musical theater ensemble, Curtain Call, will perform its spring cabaret at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, April 4 and 5, in the Robert C. Hailey Theatre at Dillard Fine Arts Center. Admission is free and the public is invited.

For the Broadway-themed show, titled “Dream Roles,” the students were invited by Curtain Call’s director, Dana Ballard, to “sing whatever song they had always dreamed of singing.”

The lineup opens with “Wilkommen,” from the musical “Cabaret.” The selection was inspired, no doubt, by Curtain Call’s January 2025 trip to New York City, where they not only sang at 54 Below, a popular cabaret club, but also saw “Cabaret” on Broadway.

The show continues with musical numbers from “Chicago,” “Waitress,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “A Star is Born,” “Wicked,” “Jersey Boys,” “Little Women,” “SIX,” “Miss Saigon,” “Man of La Mancha,” and “The Greatest Showman.”

Kai Gutierrez-Wood ’28 will sing “Heart of Stone,” sung by the character Jane Seymour in “SIX,” which has been described as a “modern retelling of the lives of the six wives of Henry VIII, presented in the form of a singing competition.”

“This song always stood out to me when listening to ‘SIX’ because it’s extremely raw and gives the performer an opportunity to connect with the audience on an emotional level,” Gutierrez-Wood, a theatre and psychology double major, said.

“I have felt the feeling that you are only connecting with someone because of something rather than a true connection, which is a feeling Jane feels in this song.”

Samira Gharavi-Nouri ’26 chose “What Baking Can Do,” sung by the main character in “Waitress.” She had been listening to the song over and over and said she “couldn’t get enough of it,” so she decided to sing it in the spring cabaret.

“It sounds so playful but is actually a very heartfelt song,” Gharavi-Nouri, a theatre major, said. “In the song, Jenna … remembers her mother and the hardships she went through. It’s such a hopeful … and empowering song that holds so much emotion preparing her for the tough times ahead.”

Theatre and history double major Lorelei “Lo” Mayberry ’28, will sing “Roxie,” from “Chicago.” She chose the song, not because it has any deep meaning for her but because it’s a “very fun song.”

Michael Tock, who recently starred as Pseudolus in the University’s spring musical, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” will sing “Dancing Through Life,” from “Wicked.” The song, sung by prince and principal love interest Fiyero, “talks about moving through life’s problems without strife,” Tock said.

“I think it’s a beautiful song because while it appears happy and cheerful, if you look at the lyrics, it not only foreshadows Fiyero’s dark fate, [but] ends up sounding somewhat sad, talking about how there’s no point stressing and how he’s been kicked out of several schools.

“Fiyero starts the show out exactly like this, mindless and careless, and as the show progresses, he gets so much character development despite only being a supporting role. I think there’s something so beautiful about that.”

Oluwatimilehin “Timmy” Mayowa ’27 chose “The Impossible Dream,” from “Man of La Mancha.” The public health major said he was attracted to the song’s “profound meaning,” particularly “its message of perseverance, hope, and striving for something greater, even in the face of great odds, when it seems like nothing is working out.”

He added, “It’s a song about resilience, about daring to chase ideals that may seem out of reach, and that idea resonates so well with me and my view about human existence. In a way, for me, it’s less about playing a dream role and more about embodying a dream mindset, and that is what makes this performance so meaningful for me.”

Za’lexia Bogan ’26 will sing “Almost There,” from the 2009 Disney film “The Princess and the Frog.” The theatre major said the main character, Tiana, “has always been my favorite princess because she worked hard to achieve her goals, which motivated me to do the same.

“I’ve always been a Disney fan, and I wanted to share with people the joyful and youthful side of myself that is often hidden. [It’s] one of the best songs from the film, and I’m sure everyone recognizes it, but I also want anyone, whether a child or an adult, to realize that their dreams are feasible.

“You just need to put in the effort and time, but most importantly, have hope.”