Drury University has a wide range of the arts being showcased throughout the spring semester of 2022. One senior seminar project which sold out on it’s one night showing was Literally, Anything Goes organized by Madelyn Baum.

Madelyn Baum is a senior at Drury University majoring in Theater and Arts Administration double major, with a minor in Graphic Design. In addition she is working towards a Masters in Nonprofit and Civic Leadership through Drury’s 4+1 Program. Madelyn is also extremely involved beyond academics with being a Box Office Manager and members of the organizations: Drury Singers, Drury Chorale, Drury Chamber Ensemble, Pi Beta Phi and the 4+1 Program.

When asked to give a summary of this project Madelyn responded in great detail to showcase her passion for this project, “For my Senior Seminar Project I did something that no one has done before and included all of my interests and passions in order to do so. So, I directed, produced, administered and did everything for a production that also served as a fundraiser. The title of the production was ‘Literally, Anything Goes’ and the proceeds raised went to a scholarship fund that I created at the Springfield Little Theatre. The money given to this organization is now there for students to apply for and be given so that they can participate in educational opportunities through SLT that they would not otherwise get to participate in. The show itself was based off of ‘Broadway Backwards’ where male identifying people sing songs traditionally sung by female identifying people and vice versa- ‘Gender bending’. Except with this showcase- ANYTHING GOES. You could perform anything sung by anyone. That is just what we did! With 20 songs, lasting at about 61 minutes TOTAL.”

Expanding on her passion, Madelyn explained the inspiration behind this major project that she undertook for her senior seminar. “My main passion is Arts Administration, and within that the idea of ‘arts accessibility’. My favorite quote, “Theater is the safe place to do the unsafe things that need to be done”, is something that I value and find so important. When you do not have access to art in the same way as other people, you don’t get to learn this or share that experience. So, it’s my opinion that arts accessibility is the MOST important thing when it comes to the world of art. So, I wanted to make a difference. I know that I cannot CURE arts accessibility, but I know that my event can and did make a difference!”

Another passion of Madelyn’s which she incorporated into the show is Springfield Little Theatre. All of the funds from the senior seminar project went to a fund to be used for scholarships for children within the Springfield area. This scholarship helps these children be able to participate in the educational programs that Springfield Little Theatre offers.

Madelyn led the cast and crew to have an amazing show on February 25th. The cast and crew are listed below.

CREW: Adrienne Kremer and Nico Hopper

CAST: M.Colin Years, Asher Tillman, Caleb Conway, Carter Williams, Rome Little Jr., Julia Chamberlain, Gwen Sloan, Kylee Compton, Natalee Reid, Emme Mauzey, Ahilyn Aceves, Kirstin Hildebrand, Kyeiah Walker.

Being a senior at Drury University, Madelyn has lots of memories both surrounding the University as a whole and her project “I will miss the tight-knit-ness that Drury brings. The deep and meaningful connections. The safety net of getting to try and pursue new things. […] My favorite memory was during rehearsal when I explained the reasoning behind including the song ‘The Secret of Happiness’. I chose this song because I felt at least one line would be relatable to each performer. In college we live many different lives. We undergo many changes. But, at the root of it all, there is happiness. So, I explained this to the cast and then got to watch them take that message and run with it. That was pretty amazing!”

If you were unable to make this showcase, and are still interested in helping Springfield Little Theatre, please reach out to them to find out more information.

If you also would like to support the theater department here is a list of the other senior seminar projects if you would like to support the arts on campus.

Mad Ones Musical: Carter Williams and Ahilyn Aceves premiering March 9th.

Short Film/ Cheater: James Fitzpatrick premiering April 22nd.

Short film /The Fault in Us: Kirstin Hildebrand premiering April 22nd.

Short film/Biograph: Jordan Mouser premiering April 22nd.

Short film/The Metaphysical Salesman: Gwen Sloan premiering April 22nd.