Miranda Buchholz, born and raised in Medicine Hat, is now in her second year of Musical Theatre Performance at Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton. She is participating in her first university-level performance, "The World Goes 'Round" from Dec. 1-5.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
lthomson@medicinehatnews.com
Miranda Buchholz is a 20-year-old Hatter who has taken to the big city to pursue her dreams of musical theatre performance.
Buchholz is performing in six shows of “The World Goes ‘Round” at MacEwan University’s Triffo Theatre from Dec. 1-5.
Born and raised in Medicine Hat, Buchholz attended CAPE School, St. Mary’s and then graduated from Medicine Hat High School.
“Growing up in Medicine Hat was great. It’s a very tightly knit community, which I think is very good for self-growth,” said Buchholz. “I found a love of theatre through community theatre as well as St. Mary’s, which was amazing, and then I continued that in high school, with the wonderful director and acting teacher, Richard Grafton.”
Buchholz was also a member of the Medicine Hat College Girls Choir for four years, an experience she says helped grow her passion for performing.
In autumn of 2020, she moved to Edmonton to attend Grant MacEwan University for Musical Theatre Performance, making this her second year in the program.
“I like (Edmonton) a lot,” said Buchholz. “It’s a lot different than Medicine Hat, but I think having both places in my life really helped me grow as a person.”
Buchholz tells the News the show is “a collection of the music written by Kander and Ebb, so you’re going to be hearing music from Cabaret, Chicago, The Rink and many more of their beloved musicals.”
She explains the show consists of many ensemble pieces and says she is performing a duet of a song called “Class.”
A media release emailed to the News expanded.
“The World Goes ‘Round is a retrospective celebration of one of Broadway’s most iconic songwriting teams, John Kander and Fred Ebb. For over four decades, their successful collaborations have included the smash Broadway shows Cabaret and Chicago, as well as innovative, challenging works like Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Scottsborogh Boys and The Visit. Their films include the Academy Award-winning films Cabaret and Chicago. Their works are marked by a striking theatricality, sharp wit and heartfelt sentiment.
“The World Goes ‘Round is not a typical revue. Instead, it is approached and structured as a stand-alone theatre piece. Song suites provide glimpses into diverse worlds and characters. Each song tells a story, each with its own mood, pace and style. It weaves Kander and Ebb’s iconic songs into a rich musical tapestry.”
Buchholz says this is her first university level production.
“I am very excited to be able to perform in front of a live audience after two years of not being able to. The energy the audience gives performers is electric. I think that performing in front of a live audience is also what I’m nervous about. I hope they enjoy it.”
