Monmouth University’s theatre department kicked the first of five nights of Theatre Fest with the Fresh Faces of 2024: A Showcase of Monmouth’s Talented Theatre Freshman on Wednesday, Nov. 20. The following days would feature Spark Sessions: A Night of Original Works by MU Players, Music and Theatre Collaboration: Celebrating Stephen Sondheim, Alpha Psi Omega Presents: To Be or Not to Be: “Hamlet,” an Abridged Staging, and the Musical Theatre Majors and Minors Showcase.
I was lucky enough to see two of the performances of “Theatre Fest” and was blown away by the talented group Monmouth has. The first night I attended was the Fresh Faces of 2024: A Showcase of Monmouth’s Talented Theatre Freshman.
The first performer, Madison Johnson, performed “For Better or Worse” from “The Great Gatsby,” a show inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel. Because this Broadway musical is niche and new, you could tell the audience wasn’t familiar. Nonetheless, Johnson carried herself as if she were the character of Daisy Buchanan. Her high notes were the shining savors of the song and where Johnson felt most comfortable. I know a soprano when I see one, or should I say hear one?
Up next to take the stage was Caroline Bader, who sang the beloved classic, “I Can Hear the Bells,” from “Hairspray.” Bader was undoubtedly passionate about musical theatre, and I feel that this was a great song choice for her. I only wish she held onto some of the bigger notes longer. We definitely heard the bells, maybe even a bit too much, but as they say in show business, go big or go home.
The next performance was a scene from the hit Netflix TV show, “Better Call Saul,” performed by Frank Dige and Andrew Shuberda. Dige played the iconic character of Jimmy (Saul Goodman), and Shuberda played Chuck, his brother. If you’re unfamiliar with the show, this could have felt misplaced in the showcase. Looking at the actors individually, their scene work was anything but and indeed showed their acting skills. The beginning took some time to settle into the plot, but once the climax of “You’re not a real lawyer!” happened, the two dug into the scene. Dige’s entire monologue rant to his brother was certainly a highlight.
Jumping back into singing was Allison Spinelli with her rendition of “Maybe” from “Annie.” An A+ choice, considering our very own Great Hall was the primary filming location for the 1982 musical movie. Spinelli seemed nervous but her vocals were beautiful. I’m unsure if it was a microphone issue or doors closing in the middle of her performance, but it was hard to hear her at times. The parts I could hear sounded good, especially the ending.
Alexis Finkelstein and Katherine Grone performed “Chiquitita” from “Mamma Mia!” The audience’s collective smile filled the room at the mention of the musical. Who doesn’t love “Mamma Mia!”? They sounded so great; I only wish they added some harmonies to showcase them together. I absolutely loved their touch of wearing white knee-high boots, very on-brand for the characters of the show.
“I’m Not That Girl” from “Wicked” was performed by Emily Fiorenze. Her voice was perfect for this arrangement, and I was relieved when she opted for the higher note at the end. I know how hard it is to hit Idina Menzel’s low E note, and she handled it beautifully.
Shuberda took the stage again to sing “Gethsemane” from “Jesus Christ Superstar.” His commitment to the craft was known instantly when he stepped out on stage in Jerusalem cruisers and a white dress shirt. His dedication to the rock opera score of the song was insane. The entire audience was stunned (me included) when he nailed the ending note.
Performing “Pretty Funny” from “Dogfight” was Chloe Garcia. Her vocal ability was so impressive, especially her vibrato. Garcia will thrive in the department with the help of the music faculty, learn to overcome her nerves, and let her stage presence shine.
Taylor Wichterman performed “Maybe This Time” from “Cabaret,” a Liza Minnelli showstopper. I was stunned by her rendition. Wichterman’s vocals were so smooth and crisp. I only see her improving more and more as her career here is just beginning.
Finally, Emily Stein, the director of the event, performed “Astonishing” from “Little Women.” She had good control over the pacing and dictation of the song and projected confidence onstage. Her presence reminded me of Rachel Berry from the show “Glee” in the best way possible. I noticed Sheri Anderson’s smile was beaming from ear to ear at the end of her performance. The whole audience was rooting for her.
It seems the fresh faces have immense talent, and with help from the upperclassmen and department experts in theatre, they will continue to improve and wow us on the Woods Theatre stage.
The second night I attended was the Music and Theatre Collaboration: Celebrating Stephen Sondheim, directed by Antonia Bongiorno. As a Sondheim fan, I immensely enjoyed this night, and even those unfamiliar with his work loved these performances.
The first performer was Chloe Garcia, who sang “What More Do I Need?” from “Saturday Night.” Garcia was humorous and let the character-driven song heighten her talented vocals. It was a great start to the show.
Next, Mary Jodry performed an “Into the Woods” classic, “On the Steps of the Palace,” which is Cinderella’s big solo in this show. I couldn’t help but smile as Jodry hit every single note and even added little acting bits, like her shoes getting stuck in the stuff on the steps.
Kira Fisher performed “I Remember” from “Evening Primrose,” a musical based on a short story written by John Collier in 1951. Fisher’s smooth voice filled the entire theatre, surrounding the audience with sound. She made every vocal twist and turn seem effortless, putting her entire soul into the performance.
“The Miller’s Son” from “A Little Night Music” was performed by Timothy Pakrad. The entire setup of this song was incredible. Evan Schuett played an acoustic guitar, which transported the audience into what felt like a Sondheim coffeehouse. Pakrad’s vocal control and little dance moves carried straight into the back row.
Next was Julianna Chesla performing “Being Alive” from “Company.” I don’t say anything lightly, but this performance truly moved me. Chesla’s voice struck the audience so hard that there were tears, maybe even some from me.
Mary Jodry and Kira Fisher took the stage again, but this time to duet “Johanna” from “Sweeny Todd.” The pair complimented and blended so well. The harmonies were to die for, making me question why this song isn’t dueted more often.
Jack West performed “Finishing The Hat” from “Sunday In The Park With George.” West has the picture-perfect male Sondheim vocals for this song.
Another “Into the Woods” song, “Last Midnight,” was sung by Joleen Amer. Only Amer was completely transformed into the witch; her musical identity was unrecognizable. Her voice was so haunting yet inviting that you couldn’t help being locked into the performance.
The final solo performance was Antonia Bongiorno singing “Not A Day Goes By” from “Merrily We Roll Along.” Bongiorno’s voice radiated throughout the entire space. I could’ve listened to this one for hours. Her control and out-of-this-world vocal mix had jaws on the floor (mine was, at least).
The entire company joined onstage to perform “Our Time” from “Merrily We Roll Along,” closing out what was a beautiful event, not only showcasing Monmouth’s talented theatre students but the work of musical genius Stephen Sondheim. To this writer, Theatre Fest was a showcase success and I cannot wait for next year.
