This weekend, the theater and film department is proud to present “Songs For A New World.”

“The show is a musical review about transitions and turning points” Director Michael Ellison said. “We thought this would be an excellent show to do because it speaks directly to the students. No one knows more about transitions than college students, especially freshman and seniors.”

The musical review contains two acts with nine to 10 songs each.

What makes “Songs For A New World” different from other musicals is that it does not have a set storyline.

Instead, each song follows a different character and has it’s own story.

“It’s almost like a collage of stories about different people,” Ellison said. “The variety of characters is wonderful as well.”

The original play contained two men and two women, but Ellison has expanded this version of the play to include more people.

“I expanded it to include five men and five women,” he said. “This way, I was able to put the songs in a larger context. For example, the song ‘Flag Maker 1775’ was originally a solo but I changed it so it’s now one woman singing to her daughter and daughter-in-law, while they are all sewing a flag in an attempt to help them survive the war.”

Ellison also said the cast consists of undergraduate and graduate students.

“It’s a wonderful play. I really feel it’s an honor to be involved,” said Man #2, Brian Carlucci. “It’s not a show most people go to see because it doesn’t have a storyline. Each song is a new story and there are so many characters I think people can really relate to.”

Another cast member, Lindsey Linder, who plays Woman #1, said “I really, really love this play. I think even people who don’t usually like musicals will enjoy this show. There are so many great stories being told in it.”

The show opened last night with a wonderful response.

“I was very pleased with the audience’s reaction. A lot of people commented that they were very drawn in by the end,” Ellison said.

It is not coincidence that the show is being put on Homecoming weekend, either.

“We thought this would be the perfect time because of all the people who will be around this weekend for Homecoming. We’re hoping to get people excited and come see another form of entertainment,” Ellison said.

“Songs For A New World” started Wednesday and will be showing again tonight and tomorrow at 8 and again on Sunday at 2 p.m.

The show will take place in the Eva Marie Saint Theater.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. For ticket information, contact the box office at (419) 372-2719.