Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 21, 1991 TAG: 9102210016
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: E-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ROBERTA ENGLISH STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The group will perform numbers from broadway's "A Chorus Line," rap star M.C. Hammer and country-music singer Alan Jackson, among others.
"We try to keep a lot of variety in the show," said New Virginians' director John Howell, who also has directed shows at Walt Disney World.
The 19-year-old group, which was formed at the height of the hippie movement, prides itself on a clean-cut, "All-American" image.
"We project a positive image," Howell said, "We're careful with our choice of numbers."
The New Virginians perform more than 20 shows a year, including conventions and fund-raisers as far away as Chicago and Orlando.
The diverse 80-member group not only includes Tech students in the arts, but aerospace engineering and biochemistry majors. Several of the student performers have gone professional, said Howell, who has been with the troupe for 12 years.
Proceeds from Friday's show will be split between the New Virginians, who are self-supporting, and the Raleigh Court and Williamson Road Lions Clubs, who provide eye examinations and glasses for people who can't afford them.
Howell said the recession has greatly decreased profits and he worries about the show's future.
"The first thing people can get along without is entertainment," he said.
Tickets for Friday's show are $7. They are available at the civic center box office and all ticketron locations.
NEW VIRGINIANS: 8 p.m. Friday, Roanoke Civic Center Auditorium. $7.
by CNB