It’s rare for the words “rock and roll” and “big band music” to be used to describe the same event, but “Blast II Shockwave” is doing exactly that.

The theatrical performance, which features acting, dancing and singing, will explode into Stephens Auditorium Sunday.

“Blast II Shockwave” was created by James Mason, a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, who also created the show’s predecessor, “Blast!” says Patti Cotter, performing arts programming director at the Iowa State Center.

“[Blast II] Shockwave” is based on a big band theme and is different from “Blast!” because it uses woodwind instruments.

“It involves more jazz, big-band songs and rock,” she says.

Some of the songs the 40-member troupe will perform include arrangements of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Alanis Morissette’s “Uninvited” and The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations.”

In addition to brass, percussion and woodwind instruments, the show’s musicians use electronic percussion and even cell phones. A color guard also uses flags, created specifically for the show, to add to the visual effects. Two members of the show’s cast, Peter Connell and Adam Robertson, are Iowa natives.

Connell, who plays trombone for the show, grew up in Orange City. “I started playing trombone in fifth grade,” Connell says. “My dad’s a band director at the high school, so I was always hanging around him and his bands.”

Connell graduated from the University of Iowa in May 2002 and joined the show shortly after. He says he was referred to the show by a friend and was then asked to play for them. After sending in a final audition tape, Connell landed the gig.

Connell says the show is based on dancing as well as eclectic classical, jazz, blues and rock ‘n’ roll. “It’s got all the intriguing aspects of going to a musical, but combines a rock show and stage and lighting things, too,” Connell says. “It’s not traditional music theater — it’s more of a contemporary modern thing that combines with a lot of rock show effects.”

Musicians also perform unique movements to accentuate their playing, Connell says.

“Saxophone players jump on pogo balls and play at the same time,” Connell says. Connell says his favorite part of the show is performing “Good Vibrations,” a song in which the performers actually move into the crowd.

“It allows [us] the opportunity to get in with the audience and mingle with them,” Connell says.

What: “Blast II Shockwave”

Where: Stephens Auditorium

When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday

Cost: $13.50 — $19.50 students, $25.50 – $37.50 public