After months of anticipation and late night rehearsals the annual event “Songfest” finally debuted for its Malibu audience March 17. The curtains opened and Pepperdine students were quickly “on the job” and set to entertain.
“It’s a one of a kind experience. I’ve never seen anything like it said freshman and Songfest participant Aaron Dowler. You’re guaranteed to be entertained. You’ll walk away glad you saw it.”
As the night began enthusiasm was high and continued to escalate. Audience members had no reservations and readily added to the already exciting atmosphere.
“It was all put together really well said sophomore Cathy Kim. You can tell they put a lot of work into it.”
Work was in fact the theme of the night as each of the five groups took on the role of different occupations in musical form. The career choices included: lawyers construction workers astronauts hotel staff and circus performers. Between each major act were smaller scenes acted out by an ensemble of Songfest hosts. These humorous sequences highlighted life in typical work environments as well and were among some viewers’ favorite moments.
“The [host] skits in the middle are really funny said freshman Jennifer Riddle. The audience is very enthusiastic especially during [those] skits.”
The energy reached new levels as each group’s musical choices filled Smothers alongside Pepperdine’s orchestra. Familiar lyrics from Kanye West Neil Diamond Paul McCartney and John Lennon among others projected off the stage and created an atmosphere of musical camaraderie.
“When you hear the whole band with all the instruments and how amazing it sounds – to hear all the parts come together it was unbelievable said junior and Songfest participant Natalie Smith. I was blown away. That’s when I really saw how awesome the show is.”
Acting and music aside smaller elements such as costumes and choreography enhanced the environment on and off the stage. A variety of dance styles and colorful costumes only added to the overall visual experience. Costume design covered the 50s the 70s various animal life extraterrestrials and a barbershop quartet.
As all the components came together throughout the night it was clear that Songfest members divided their focus and united their efforts to mesmerize the audience.
“I feel like this year is a lot more well rounded Dowler said. Other years they focused on just one aspect but this year it’s a triple threat. People are combining acting singing and dancing.”
As the night came to a close the energy and the volume was both exhilarating and deafening. Songfest participants filled the aisles and the stage as they gathered for the final act. Per tradition Songfest alumni joined students in singing the final song “Let There Be Peace On Earth”. Cheers and shouts filled the theatre as friends and family members waved and shouted praise to the musically inclined students.
“Be careful because if you go to Songfest you will wish that you were a part of it said junior and Songfest participant Laura Fehlbaum. Go support your friends that are in it and you will want to do it next year. It’s not even optional. You need to go see it.”
For some spectators this year’s performance served as an insight into the quality of Pepperdine productions and inspired them to attend many more in the future.
“I don’t see a lot of theatre shows but this makes me want to see more Pepperdine productions said Riddle. And the fact that it’s student-led is just that much more exciting. Pepperdine students have so much talent.”