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Broadway Songbook VII, produced and directed by the Theater and Dance Instructor Richard Kuller, returned for a successful encore performances on Saturday and Sunday.

Broadway Songbook VII is the result of the Summer Triple-Threat workshop, which incorporates singing, dancing, and acting into eight weeks.

Originally presented during the summer session, it was reprised for encore performances because of its success and the actor’s persistence for more people to see it, said Kuller.

A theme is chosen for each edition of Broadway Songbook, with this year’s being Classic Literature and modern musicals based on them, according to Kuller.

 Performing songs found in musicals such as My Fair Lady, Call Me Madam, and Boys from Syracuse, it drew from enough sources to help incorporate this theme.

The audience soon came to realize how often modern adaptations of classics are created.

West Side Story and Kiss Me, Kate both come from William Shakespeare, specifically Romeo and Juliet and The Taming of the Shrew respectively.

Despite having limited resources, evident in the set design, the atmosphere was fitting. Much of the budget goes to paying royalties as to use the songs, which comes from the PCC Academics Excellence Grant Kuller applies for each year, he explained.

Costumes ranging from ancient Greece to the mid-1950s were impressive, representing their time period accurately.

The set was simple, drawing upon the audience’s imagination to help fill in the blanks.

The 14 actors managed to both shine with their own solos or duets as well as fill in the company numbers.

At times it was a little difficult to hear the actors, especially over the laughter that would sometimes follow a line, as there were no microphones. Mostly the actors projected their voice as much as possible though.

The eight-piece orchestra behind the scenes held their own as well. Well put together, they were the backbone to the production.

This play is a special treat for those who know and love classic literature. Understanding the little references to the classics makes the play more enjoyable.

Even if someone steps in with no knowledge of the subject, the actors do a superb job of making sure the audience is on the same page, with small side notes and explanations between songs. With plenty of laughs, it was clear why it was brought back.

Students polish up choreography during their final dress rehearsal or Broadway Songbook VII’s encore performances on Sept. 10 and 11. (Daniel Nerio / Courier)

Students run through their Broadway Songbook VII performances at the final dress rehearsal on Sept. 9. (Buren Smith / Courier)

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