Lucky Me
What is my life, though?
I might have overdosed a little on musical theatre at CCM this past few days.
Friday, I was honored to be invited as a guest to a MasterClass from Stephen Flaherty, composer of such Broadway hits as “Ragtime,” “Once on This Island,” and “Seussical.” Several students performed numbers for him, and Mr. Flaherty provided notes and direction, and we got to hear the song again with their adjustments. It was very special. He also answered questions from several of the students, and then he was treated to a couple of numbers from the recent production of “Once On This Island,” which was particularly moving. I briefly spoke with him at a reception afterward, and he was humble, kind, and just lovely.
Then, on Sunday night, at the Woodward Theatre downtown, CCM Kaleidoscope performed a cabaret concert full of heart, sensational dancing, and out-of-this-world vocals. Kaleidoscope is a student organization that amplifies BIPOC, Global Majority, and Jewish voices. All the performances were lovely, but standouts for me were duets by Peter Neurether & Monique Churchill, as well as Franco Valerga and Brian Cheng. Cheng also moved me with a solo improv dance piece. I’m a big fan of Jayy Jones, and her vulnerability was on full display in a very touching piece. Carter Minor, Jonathan Hobbs, Renease Brown, and Sean Polk (I didn’t take notes, so I apologize for leaving anyone out) also impressed with solo numbers, and I was quite pleased to see CCM Acting students Evan Kupersmith and Adrian Graff go toe to toe with their musical theatre counterparts. They saved the best for last with an ensemble performance of “Seasons of Love” from “Rent,” which allowed the seniors in the group to shine one last time vocally.
Finally, I saw the student-produced “Alice By Heart” by Jessie Nelson & Steven Sater & Duncan Sheik. UC Mosaic produced the show; this group’s missing is to amplify the voices and stories of marginalized groups to promote inclusivity and creativity.
Madison Osment directed while Tomi Newman choreographed. Osment mentioned that they worked on this for a long time - but had two hours of rehearsal time a week, which is remarkable given how this full-length, complicated story unfolded on stage before us. Newman’s choreography was inspired, while first-time conductor and musical director Spencer Stanley oversaw tight harmonies, proficient musicality, and some of the most beautiful music you’ll hear in a modern musical.
“Alice By Heart” is a unique show. Set in London during World War 2, it is the story of Alice and her friend Alfred, who are forced to take shelter underground. When the ailing Alfred is quarantined, Alice encourages him to escape with her into their cherished book and journey down the rabbit hole to Wonderland.
Monique Churchill is the perfect ingénue as “Alice,” while Andy Bakun brought presence and nuance to his role as Alfred. Both sang so beautifully. The rest of the cast, including the scene-stealing Ry Dever, golden-voiced Sydney Short, the engaging Hannah Bourgeoius, a trio of terrific freshman Dominic Carroll, Jack Haroutunian, and Griffin Simmons, the mesmerizing Jayy Jones, and the grounded Kristen Das, all brought this show to life in the nicest rehearsal hall you’ll ever visit - with lights and mics and sound effects and props. It was a full-on show, y’all, and 100% student-produced.
I really can’t believe I get to see all of this talent as they grow and develop their craft before they graduate onto Broadway, Regional, and National Tour stages.
But I do.
I’m very, very lucky.
ALICE BY HEART has one more performance tomorrow night. Tickets are $5, and reservations can be made here.