For the Reporter
Voices – Up With People’s latest production – comes to the Auburn Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20 and Saturday. Sept. 21.
The performance features original and popular music, a dynamic blend of feature soloists, full-cast production numbers, fast-moving choreography and colorful costumes.
Voices is inspired and motivated by recent worldwide events and features medleys of popular music, international music and of course, Up with People original music.
Long before “Glee”, “American Idol” and “High School Musical”, Up with People created the genre of high-energy entertainment performed by an ensemble of talented young people from throughout the world. The show is an international collaboration of music, dance and genuine energy with a message of hope and goodwill across nations.
General admission is $20.
Proceeds support Rotary Club-backed local charities.
To order tickets are to acquire more information, visit www.upwithpeople.org/auburn/.
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MEET SOME OF THE CAST
Name: Mallory Kidd
Age: 19
Country: Colorado, USA
What are you looking forward to the most while in the Seattle area?
I have never been to the West Coast besides California, so I’m so excited to see the beautiful scenery that I’ve always heard so much about.
What is one thing you have learned so far during your time with Up with People?
I am still learning after my first five months that you find out more about yourself when you least expect it.
What is one thing people should know about you?
I am a huge theatre and cinema buff, so if you get me started talking about music, movies, shows, anything, I can go on for hours.
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Name: Pablo Archival
Age: 20
Country: Mexico
What are you looking forward to the most while in the Seattle area?
Performing for a great community in a city I do not know.
What is one thing you have learned so far during your time with Up with People?
Will, determination and good attitude are the ingredients for success!
What is one thing people should know about you?
I’m not a dancer or a singer but I’m doing my best to be a great performer!
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Name: Bert Walbers
Age: 21
Country: Belgium
What are you looking forward to the most while in the Seattle area?
To learn more about their culture, the way they live, learn more about the city they live in.
What is one thing you have learned so far during your time with Up with People?
I Learned to be more dynamic and to be more extroverted.
What is one thing people should know about you?
I’m a sport enthusiast (volleyball, tennis, surfing, skiing, scuba diving).
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Name: Sini Kumpula
Age: 19
Country: Finland
What are you looking forward to the most while in the Seattle area?
I’m looking forward to meet my new host families and learn about their lifestyle. I’m also excited to see downtown Seattle.
What is one thing you have learned so far during your time with Up with People?
I have learned that small things can make a big difference to someone’s life.
What is one thing people should know about you?
I love dancing. Latin and ballroom dances.
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Name: Iris Weerdenburg
Age: 17
Country: the Netherlands
What are you looking forward to the most while in the Seattle area?
I’m really looking forward to my birthday in Auburn, I will turn 18 on Sept. 18.
What is one thing you have learned so far during your time with Up with People?
The most important thing I learned so far is not judging people on the way they look, something that happened really often in the place I come from. At home I was used to hanging out with people from one group and not being very open to others. Here I learned that hanging out with people who are different then you is actually a really good experience and that makes me feel way better. I really want to take this home. I also learned to appreciate my home; my family, the country and it’s rules, etc. Usually everything was normal but now I realize that I’m so lucky.
What is one thing people should know about you?
People should know about me that I want to go to law school after UWP. Most people don’t expect this because I don’t look like a very serious person and that is an image that typically fits a law student. However, I am really passionate about it and I will work really hard to accomplish this goal.
