The Old Baptist Foundation is about to be rocked by a production almost completely organized by undergraduate Eric Leach.

‘Two by Two: A Musical Revue’ will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and again on Saturday at the same time in the Old Baptist Foundation. The production will consist of 20 duets composed from 1936 to 2006.

Six cast members will perform the songs, accompanied by five musicians. The night will include well-known numbers such as ‘A Whole New World’ from Aladdin and ‘Take Me or Leave Me’ from Rent.

Rob Riddle, a graduate student from Park Ridge studying opera and musical theater, is one of the cast members.

‘It’s just going to be a good fun night,’ he said.

Leach, a senior from Rochestor studying music, said he wanted to put together a production last year. He said he realized he had no experience organizing, casting, finding performance space and other tasks that come with putting on a show.

One of the major motivations for putting the performance together was to give students a chance to be involved in a production other than the musical put on each spring, he said.

The style of the performance is something that area audiences rarely get to see, said Tom Kidd, an assistant professor in theater.

Kidd said the style is cabaret, a form of entertainment featuring comedy, dance, song and theater. He said Leach did some creative arrangements of the music, changing some of the songs to make them more colorful and interesting.

‘The performers have the ability in a cabaret setting to basically be themselves and be able to charm the audience,’ he said.

Leach said he hopes ‘Two by Two’ gives students an opportunity to showcase their talents and expand their experience.

For students such as Leach who are interested in musical casting or directing, putting together a production like this is integral, he said.

‘If you’re a theater artist, nobody cares about your career but you,’ he said. ‘You’re going to be as successful as you are entrepreneurial.’

Leach said he did not want to wait until after he graduated to create a production because he did not want to miss a valuable experience. He said making this production has helped him realize he can accomplish his goals.

‘If you want experience doing something, you have to be able to create that opportunity and use all your outlets,’ he said. ‘It’s hard work, but in the end it’s totally worth it.’

Genna Ord can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 275