The Lafayette Choirs are taking on the big stage. For their spring concert, they will sing songs from successful Broadway shows.
Choir Director Michele Rodgers said, “I chose to do Broadway because it was just something fun and lighter to do.”
She added, “I have a friend who is also a choir director and every spring her choirs have a themed concert and I thought that was a cool idea.”
Overall, the choir students have enjoyed the theatre-based unit. Senior Grace Palazzolo loves this new idea.
“I love that we’re doing Broadway music. A lot of people can relate to it because it’s part of pop culture. I think the audience will feel more engaged in this concert,” she said.
Sophomore Megan Staszak agreed. “I like it because it’s something we can relate to while we sing and I think it will be more fun for the audience,” she said.
Senior Jessica Cohen said that it will not only be more entertaining to the audience but it is more fun for them to perform.
“Singing Broadway is more fun than normal pieces because we sort of know the music and can have fun with it,” she said.
However, for one student, singing Broadway is more than just a cool new theme.
“I have really enjoyed the Broadway theme for our spring concert because I would love to be on Broadway one day and learning these songs gives me a chance to learn about different shows,” sophomore Alyssa Johnson said.
She continued, “Also Mrs. Rodgers gives us an overview most of the time about the show that the songs are from. Plus the music is just more fun to sing. It’s a good change.”
But, some choir students believe there are a few problems with singing all Broadway.
“I enjoy Broadway music, but I think it should have a little diversity. When we sing Broadway, people think they know the song and then they don’t work as hard,” sophomore Leigh Rasmussen said.
Sophomore Allison Gerling agreed. “I like [singing Broadway] but since people know the songs, we get disappointed when we can’t sing the song the way we know it,” she said.
Despite those concerns, Rodgers is excited for the performance. “I think [the audience] will like it a lot. It’s different than anything we have done before, and I think the average audience will know the songs”
Sophomore Amanda Rightler said, “It should make a good show.”
The choirs will perform at 7 p.m. on May 6.
