Platinum Edition: British invasion, the trip to Nashville, and spring teasers
Bright lights, vibrant costumes, great music, and ecstatic fans are elements that made the Oct. 26 show unforgettable. Once again, Platinum Edition sold out Viterbo’s main theatre as result of their fall spectacular.
Their show, “British Invasion,” was greatly anticipated by fans of the La Crosse community. In light of their success, Nancy Allen, founder and director, was invited to sit down with me and discuss the show, the trip, and what to expect this spring.
So, why “British Invasion”? It’s no doubt that Platinum’s fall theme drums much excitement for both returning fans, as well as strangers, of the group’s. This theme specifically, however, showcased the music of globally adored British artists such as Queen, The Beatles, One Direction, and The Spice Girls.
“There is so much great music,” Allen exclaimed. “It was very hard to limit what music we used.”
What makes these shows so unique, theme aside, is the community engagement of these shows. It’s a quality, Allen states, that “from day one it’s been a joint community and Platinum Edition production.”
Those unfamiliar with the group may be puzzled; however, it’s a tradition which dates to their roots. 1998, Allen’s first year at Viterbo, the first Platinum Edition was composed of 24 members and met only on afternoons and weekends. With such limitations, Allen needed a larger talent pool to fill her shows; therefore, she recruited talent from our La Crosse community.
“This quickly became a hallmark of what we do,” affirmed Allen. By encouraging elementary and high school choirs, as well as community ensembles, to be a part of these shows, Allen believes “community members, of all ages, can share in contributing to a performance in our beautiful theatre.”
Even with only two shows a year, they are undoubtedly two of the most profitable for Viterbo’s box office. Once the curtain rises, there is not one seat left open. Allen’s response: “People come to be entertained; they feel an overwhelming sense of joy from what takes place on our stage.”
The energy, Allen describes, comes from “a group, well depth in talent, which made their shows so much fun.” This year will be a year that those, nationwide, will have the opportunity to partake in the fun. I am referring to the upcoming national competition, hosted by Platinum Edition, taking place in Nashville, Tenn.
With this tremendous opportunity for members, Allen explained that the group has “had a long history of being invited to host national high school competitions.”
“It started with ‘Fame’”; for those unfamiliar, these are national high school show choir competitions. The group has been all over the country, hosting competitions in locations such as: Branson, Mo., Los Angeles, Calif., New York City, N.Y., Orlando, Fla., and Chicago, Ill.
Coming this spring, Platinum Edition will be on the road to Nashville, Tenn. for the Heart of America national competition. “A fellow director and friend of mine founded Heart of America,” explained Allen, “I’ve been made aware that over 4,000 high school kids, from over 14 states, will be at this competition from some of the top show choirs in the nation.”
“I’m excited for the opportunity to do service, to give back,” continued Allen. “Our students will take on roles in areas such as hosting, ushering, ticket sales, and will perform for one of the largest crowds I, personally, will ever perform for in my life.”
For the students taking this journey, Allen feels they will find this trip to be “the ideal situation for the group to bond together.” A long bus trip, such as this one, is exactly what Allen feels the group needs. She believes the experience will “gel the group together, which, as result, will make a tremendous impact on our spring show.”
For those on campus, fans can look forward to “a very high level of choreography, vocals, and staging.” Allen expects a landmark show for this spring; the new songs she teased are “Boogie Wonderland” by Earth, Wind, and Fire, “Come Dance with Me” by Frank Sinatra, “Flight” by Craig Carnelia, “Dancin’ Fool” by Barry Manilow, and a surprise number you’ll have to wait for.
“British Invasion” was just the start of an exciting year for Platinum Edition. In the events that are soon to follow, we can expect this group will share with prospective students, around the nation, the excitement of show choir beyond high school. It’s a goal Allen concluded on when she said, “Platinum Edition could be the deciding factor for a student to choose Viterbo University.”