The Performance Ensemble sure knows how to ‘Pump up the Jams’
Where were you in the 1990s? Were you rocking away to the sounds of Nirvana, N’Sync or perhaps Destiny’s Child? The 90s were characterized by a variety of styles and genres; a time when alternative, rock and pop took their place in the hearts and memories of all.
The Performing Arts Performance Ensemble was ready to take us all on a blast from the past in the Mondanaro Theater at Crites Hall on April 13. The theater buzzed with excitement as the seats quickly filled with SCAD students, alumni, faculty members and even visitors to Savannah, well before show time. It was so packed that some people were asked to return for the second show, which started at 8:30 p.m.
When the clock struck 7 p.m., The “Jam” band, led by Kevin Wallace on the piano backstage, started to play Jock Jam’s “Are You Ready For This” and the energetic cast ran onstage and began to amp up the already excited audience. Written in street art style on cloth were the words “Pump up the Jam” which served as an ideal backdrop. Multiple speakers on stage were cleverly used throughout as props for the characters.
A walk down memory lane
They thrilled the audience with their voices and choreography as they humorously belted out hits like Blackstreet’s “No Diggity,” Madonna’s “Vogue,” and Goo Goo Doll’s “Iris,” adding their unique spin on each. The rendition of “I’m Too Sexy” brought screams from the audience who especially enjoyed the men’s catwalk strut through two lines of women. Mic changes were quick and almost seamless as the lineup transitioned from solos to duets to numbers featuring the entire Ensemble. The finale, the Pokemon theme song, had the audience singing along and clapping. Indeed it was a wonderful element of surprise that closed the show.
Cast Favorites
Becky, a second-year graduate student, thought her favorite was “Say My Name,” which was arranged by T.J. Miller. “It was the most fun for me as I was a teenager when that song came out. I also liked my song ‘What’s Up’ because it is more of my style,” she explained.
The Grunge medley was a favorite to Jorge Bolanos and Ron King as it signified a part of the 90s that many people forget about. “Honestly it’s fun,” said King who was looking forward to the second show. “We’ve just got to match the energy [from the previous show] or make it better; give the audience what they came to see.”
Director Kevin Wallace’s favorites were “Kiss from a Rose” and “Uninvited.” Since last year’s concert featured hits from his era, the 1970s, he decided that the 90s would be the focus as most of the Performance Ensemble members could related to those years.
With just about 5 hours of preparation the Ensemble were able to pull the entire concert together. He credited the well-paced arrangement to the entire Ensemble who added their favorites and assisted in the fun challenge of finalizing the list that made their show that night a success.
