Enhanced with choreography and lighting, BYU-Hawaii’s Broadway Review on Nov. 16 in the McKay Auditorium, sang tunes from modern and classic movies. The show was called “A Night at the Movies,” and its spectacle would not be possible without the dedicated members of the group, according the director of Broadway Review, Dr. Melissa Glenn. Outside of four hours of in-class rehearsal per week, Glenn said, students put in their own time outside of class to choreography, practice solos, research costumes, and rehearse.
Dr. Glenn explained, “It is really impressive the energy, time and effort all the students give because none of them need this class for their major. [Broadway Review] is something they are doing on top of work and their other classes, yet they are still here every night giving their all. That is a testament to the joy it brings to people who perform.”
Broadway Review’s program included songs from “The Greatest Showman,” “Grease,” and the new movie “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Glenn explained how creating a show around powerful songs such as Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” from “Blue Hawaii” is empowering.
“Creation is something basic to our divine nation, so when we are apart of creation in any way, I think we feel like our true self.”
Abby Shumway, a sophomore from Laie, Hawaii majoring in political science, said she feels there is a spirit of enthusiasm by being in the choir. Because Shumway is from Laie, she went to Broadway Review concerts frequently and loved them. Now being the performer is even more of a rewarding experience.
Shumway shared, “I love working towards something and bringing light to other people through singing and acting. You work so hard for this performance, and it is exciting that you finally get to show other people your creation.”
Overall, she wants attendees of the concert to feel inspired. She said the performance is more than catchy songs and energetic choreography. “With any performance you want people to be inspired to do something. Whenever it is to become a better drummer after listening to the band or polishing their dancing skills, I want the audience to chase their aspirations regardless of what anyone says.”
McKell Fechser, a senior from Utah majoring in music, is part of Broadway Review and performed a solo from the song “Mamma Mia” during the concert. She said being a part of the ensemble of 18 singers brings high energy, especially when the group performs their closing song “This is Me” from “The Greatest Showman.”
Overall, Fechser said she wants the audience to appreciate their work. “It is so much fun for us. I think because it is so much fun, I don’t get nervous. I hope the audience has fun too.”
Alyssa Larney, a sophomore from Montana with an undeclared major, came to “A Night at the Movies,” and she said it was enjoyable, especially because she saw her best friend, Wade Coleman cover Hugh Jackman's solo in the song, "From Now On."
After hearing Coleman belt “The Greatest Showman,” Larney said she wants Coleman to keep sharing his voice. “I told Wade after I heard his performance, if he doesn’t do anything with his amazing voice in 20 years, I will find him. I know people can benefit from hearing him.”
Larney encourages everyone to come to the Broadway Review's concert because of the group's dedication. “The singers come from a small school, but they have big voices.”
Come to see Broadway Review perform Friday, Nov. 16 and Saturday, Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the McKay Auditorium. Tickets are $3 for students and $5 general admission and can be purchased with cash at the door.
Writer: Noah Shoaf