Up with People brings ‘A Song for the World’

Up with People (UWP) has toured in 38 countries around the world during the last 44-years. Their last visit to Montevideo was in 1997.

Soon approximately 90 young adults from 20 countries making up the cast and staff of UWP (Cast A 2010) will make their way to Montevideo, as part of a five-month-long world tour which will include two dozen communities throughout the central and western United States, the Philippines and Mexico.

During their stay in Montevideo, from March 8 to March 11, they will take part in various community service projects on March 9, and perform “A Song for the World” on March 10, at the Find Arts Center. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available at all KleinBank locations.

Some Monte locals may remember when UWP was in Montevideo in 1997 and helped sandbag during the flood. During this visit they will be doing equally significant community service.

Up with People strives to cooperate with local organizations and programs that are relevant and meaningful to the communities they visit. They also provide an opportunity for local students to join the cast members in the service activities.

Sharing
A centerpiece of the 22-week program is the chance for UWP students to stay with local families within each community they visit.

The sharing goes both ways. While families share their home and traditions, cast members share their experiences and culture.

Local families in the Montevideo area are needed to host one or more cast members and provide local transportation at the beginning and end of each day, as well as breakfast and most dinners.

Anyone interested should contact Shelsea Ochoa at sochoa@upwithpeople.org.

Up with People’s visit to Montevideo is being sponsored by local businesses including KleinBank, MinnWest Bank, Co-op Credit Union, and Gold­leaf Financial. They are still seeking additional sponsorship.

What is Up with People?
Up with People is an independent nonprofit, organization with no religious or political affiliations.

It provides young adults an international and intercultural experience that teaches service leadership and uses the performing arts to deliver messages of hope and goodwill throughout the world.

Up with People exists to spark people to action in meeting the needs of their communities, countries and the world while building bridges of understanding as a foundation for world peace.

For more information visit www.upwithpeople.org

The Show
UWP performances are known for their high-energy, upbeat, family-friendly nature.

“A Song for the World,” UWP’s latest production is a two-hour performance featuring original and popular music, and a dynamic blend of featured soloists, full cast production numbers, fast-moving choreography and colorful costumes.

Audience members are taken on a musical tour around the globe and back through time with special segments including “The Love Medley,” a collection of popular music and dances recalling the last three decades.

Throughout the show, international cast members will offer glimpses of their own national traditions and cultural expressions through music and dance with musical stopovers in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa.

Schedule for host families:
Monday, March 8 - arrival: host family provides supper.

Tuesday, March 9 - host family provides breakfast and supper.

Wednesday, March 10 - host family provides breakfast.

Thursday, March 11 - host family provides breakfast and a sack lunch.

Transportation locally at the beginning and end of each day.

If you are learning a foreign language and would like to practice, you may request someone from that country. All speak English well enough to communicate.