POSITIVE MESSAGE
Up With People serves charities in communities it performs in
For more than a decade, Up With People has been serving the communities it performs in.
And that remains true for the organization’s performances on March 10 and 11 in Albuquerque.
“We have 100 young adults from 20 different countries,” says Addison O’Conner, promotion manager with Up With People. “They travel together for six months and do public service at each stop.”
Established in 1965, Up With People has been celebrating its 50th Anniversary with a production titled “The Journey.”
The live two-hour performance includes both original and popular music and is a dynamic blend of feature soloists, full-cast production numbers, fast-moving choreography and colorful costumes.
“The Journey celebrates the 50th anniversary of Up With People, while acknowledging that UWP’s mission is an ongoing journey and is as relevant now as it was in 1965,” says Eric Lentz, Up With People executive producer. “The show features historical highlights from throughout Up With People’s existence, including pop medleys from the last five decades, and a medley of iconic UWP international dances. Original UWP songs introduce timeless themes and include messages of hope, movement, peace and an overriding sense of motivation to go out and make a positive change in the world.”
O’Conner says that throughout the week leading up to the performances, the participants will work with Albuquerque organizations such as Roadrunner Food Bank and Arca.
“We will be doing three days of work,” she says. “It’s about getting into the community and making a difference.”
O’Conner enjoys working with the participants from around the world because of their stories.
“It’s amazing to see how the group gets along,” she says. “It’s about creating a community.”