By Melissa Bergmann, Contributing writer 

For 80 years, Campus Lights has been a much anticipated event by students on campus, as well as members of the community. This year’s production of “Sister Act” was no exception. Most were familiar with this musical since it was based off the 1992 movie starring Whoopi Goldberg. The musical was successful in keeping the crowd entertained with its high energy music and the acting of many students.

Hunter Carter, senior from Madisonville, Kentucky, who served as chairman this year, said putting on a show of this size was no easy task.

“I started preparing for this Campus Lights March of 2016,” he said.

His hard work paid off. Opening night was more than half full, and the crowds only continued to grow each night. Many feel that Campus Lights sets itself apart from typical drama productions.

“Campus Lights is entirely student run,” said Keioni Hall, a senior from Memphis, Tennessee, who played the character Dolores in the musical. “It’s your peers giving you critiques and telling you how to be a better star.”

Campus Lights offers experience to those students who hope to one day have a career in the theater field, but is also open to students of all majors. Hall chose to take advantage of the fact that Campus Lights is open to all majors, and auditioned even though she is a public relations major.

This annual event’s unique attributes draws in participation and attendance from all over. Phil and Kitty Sparks, who were in the audience on opening night, embody just how much this show means to people even out of the Murray area.

“We come all the way from Nashville every year to see Campus Lights,” said Phil. “We’ve never had a student in the show, but we think they do a great job every year so we keep coming back.”

He said this year was the most individual talent he’s seen from a cast in all the years they have come to the production. As this year’s Campus Lights excitement draws to a close, Phi Mu Alpha and Sigma Alpha Iota successfully raised money for their scholarship that Campus Lights funds. The high attendance and audience satisfaction ensures that many students will receive financial help from this event, that also was able to entertain many.

Photos courtesy of Cameron Witte/The News