Every year in high school, I could expect to see five theater productions minimum. I was part of the Cappies program, where students attend at least five plays or musicals a year and write journalistic reviews on them for a chance to be published (my record was nine shows in 12th grade, as I wanted to say goodbye to my time as a Cappie in style).
Unsurprisingly, I felt a glaring absence when I didn’t go to a single show during my first college semester. I was no longer required to go, but it just seemed unusual to, well, not be required.
For my birthday back in March, I thought it was only fitting to celebrate a new milestone by reuniting with an old one: I invited some friends to join me for the theater department’s latest production. Ironically, that production happened to be “Head Over Heels,” which was the musical my high school put on in my freshman year. Truly an unintentional full circle moment to see it again as a college freshman this time.
While “Head Over Heels” isn’t my favorite musical ever, it was an energizing night of go-go boots, boisterous pop music, and fierce performances. I returned to my dorm–with no 24-hour review deadline looming in front of me, either–and looked up Hancher’s seasonal schedule.
Since March, I’ve seen the Broadway visiting tour of “The Music Man” (Golden Age era is my preference!) and “Hunchback of Notre Dame” (the song “Hellfire” to a backdrop of violent red lighting is still stuck in my head even now).
I won’t put any full-fledged reviews here. I’ve already said goodbye to my days as a Cappie critic. But what I will do is share my appreciation for the performance arts and touring productions at Iowa. I can sit in a cushiony auditorium seat and, as the room dims and the curtain opens, revive that glimmer of theatrical excitement in my heart.
