On Sunday, April 9, at 2 p.m. in Hugo Young Theatre in the Center for the Arts, Ashland University Departments of Music and Theatre will be featuring a concert showcasing the musical theatre revue troupe Drop of a Hat Players and the contemporary a cappella group Surround Sound.

“They decided to join forces to present a showcase that people will remember,”  director of the Drop of a Hat Players, Robert Parker the said. “Think about it.  How can you go wrong with an afternoon of contemporary a cappella pop songs and popular show tunes?  It’s like apple pie a la mode.”

Featuring over a dozen songs from various Broadway musicals, selections include solo and ensemble performances of pieces from Disney’s The Lion King, Les Miserables, Little Women, Kinky Boots and more, The Drop of a Hat Players will be performing their program titled “Identity” at the beginning of the concert.

“There is a very strong bond in our music and theatre departments,” Parker said. “The members of each organization work very hard.  I am amazed that they can create with such crazy schedules.”

For Surround Sound’s performance, they will be singing songs made popular by recording artists like Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, and Justin Bieber.

“I really enjoy a cappella pop, and not only because of the popularity of Pitch Perfect,” Jackson Cleland said. “Singing harmonies to songs people hear on the radio is very impressive. I’m excited to show that Ashland has a group with that kind of ability.”

Jackson Cleland is a Ashland High School senior and also a member of the student-led a capella group Surround Sound.

“Being the only high schooler is fun because I get to hear about college life before I’m actually in college so I know what to expect,” Cleland said.

Several pieces that will be presented by Surround Sound will be arranged by Brandy Riha, an AU alumna and a founding member of the group.

“This concert is just going to be super fun because even though we’ll have our music with us, we’ll have it on music stands so we’re hands free,” Cleland said. “This gives us freedom to get into the music instead of just standing there watching someone direct.”

The performance is free and open to the public but it is encouraged to go through the Ashland University box office to guarantee a ticket.