Off Broadway On Campus (OBOC) gave their spring show, titled “A Mid-April Night’s Dream,” commemorating the group’s 20th year.
Beginning at 8 p.m. to a substantial crowd in Strong Auditorium, the show featured dream-related performances including “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” from “Guys and Dolls” and “Times are Hard for Dreamers” from “Amélie.”
The show started with the fourth-wall-breaking tune “A Musical” from “Something Rotten!” and concluded with the classic “One Day More” from “Les Misérables.” Highlights in between included “Soft Place to Land” from “Waitress” and a rendition of “Gaston” from “Beauty and the Beast,” which began with a crushing rejection from a girl in Gaston’s (played by senior Noah Leibowitz) MTH 162 class.
The pit played instrumental renditions of the previous song between each number as transition music during costume changes and preparation.
The pit’s performance of “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” earned its own a round of applause.
There was also an alumni number at intermission. Though coordinating with alumni meant there was less time for them to rehearse, their performance of “I’m a Believer” from “Shrek the Musical” was charming.
Junior Noah Pines, current publicity chair and incoming president, felt similarly. “I was always in the shows at my high school, but I was never a lead or anything like that,” he said. “But with OBOC, because we do so many different numbers, way more people have the opportunity to sing solos.”
The show being the last of this academic year meant that it was the last for many seniors. While cleaning up the stage after “Rooftop Duet” from “Ordinary Days,” Pines gave a bittersweet speech explaining his feelings on the seniors leaving and their spots being replaced.
He had one word to describe this year’s seniors: “Consistent.”
Overall, the show gave the audience a glimpse into the OBOC community. All of the members have many opportunities to participate and solo. First-year future business manager Richard Nessler described how he joined OBOC via email. “I originally only auditioned to participate in one number, but ended up being a part of six because there is so much room to participate in the club,” Nessler said.
