Ethan Crapser in spring dance show

2015 May 22

Ethan Crapser of Overland Park, Kansas, was a member of the company that presented "Promland," the 10th annual spring dance show at Emporia State University Theatre.

The show takes place the night before prom at Hoover High School in small town America. A full moon shines through the gym windows as Custodian Tom Spiggs prepares the mirror ball for prom. In 1927, Hoover High was the first high school in America to have a mirror ball hung in its gymnasium. When a full moon eclipsed the mirror ball, the dancers' souls were forever enchanted. Now, as students prepare for their own prom, the same mirror ball is eclipsed, causing strange and magical events.

"Promland" is a fun blend of the 1920s and modern day with a Disney twist, including hits such as "Goody, Goody" by Johnny Mercer and "I'll Make a Man Out of You" from Disney's Mulan. Guests were invited to stay afterwards for Prom Live!, where a King and Queen from the audience will be crowned and treated to a special performance from the stage manager and house manager.

Crapser, a Sophomore Theatre Education major, was the fly operator.

"Promland" and "Prom Live!" were conceived, directed and choreographed by Lindy Bartruff, adjunct professor of dance. Costumes were designed by Amanda Dura and lights designed by Nancy Pontius.