By Lauren Runkle, Staff Writer
Susquehanna students performed a Broadway “Miscast” Cabaret at on March 30 in Isaacs Auditorium.
First-year Julia Loudenback said that the show features works from musical theatre, but not in the traditional waypeople might expect.
“The ‘Miscast’ Cabaret is a show that includes numbers from a variety of Broadway musicals, but with a twist,” Loudenback said. “Every role is played by someone who wouldn’t normally be cast in that role.”
“This means that each number may have swapped genders or sexualities, possibly causing audience members to view the song or character in a new way,” Loudenback noted.
Junior Kelsey Dowling described how gender influences audience perception.
“The show helps us reanalyze how gender impacts the characters we see on stage,” Dowling said.
“Since I’m a nonbinary performer, I get to play a mix of men and women – Angel from ‘Rent,’ J.M. Barrie in ‘Finding Neverland,’ Natalie in ‘Next to Normal’ and many different ensemble characters throughout,” Dowling continued.
Loudenback, who is female, was able to cover traditional male roles.
“I was lucky enough to be cast as Nigel Bottom in ‘God, I Hate Shakespeare,’ from the musical ‘Something Rotten’ and Dan in ‘Just Another Day,’ from ‘Next to Normal,’” Loudenback said. “I also got to dance in the signature tap number from ‘Newsies,’ ‘King of New York,’ and be a part of several other ensemble numbers.”
The show composed of 12 performers, three directors and choreographers and a tech crew.
“I really love being a part of such an energetic and passionate group who love musical theater like I do,” Dowling explained.
Dowling and Loudenback also highlighted the impact the show had on them personally.
“I’ve been lucky to have other musical theater experience at Susquehanna, however this is the first time I’ve ever been able to have my own solo performance opportunities,” Dowling said. “I’m incredibly grateful.”
“Both [of the productions that I’ve been in on campus] were experiences that allowed me to meet new people and while doing something that I love,” Loudenback concluded.
