Tags
2012, Amos Hart, Billy Flinn, CAMT, Cardinals for the Appreciation of Musical Theatre, Chicago, Chicago the Musical, Director, Louisville, March, Maurien Watkins, musical, musical theatre, opening night, Orchestra, performance, Producer, Recognized Student Organization, Red Barn, rehearsals, Roxie Hart, students, theatre, University of Louisville, UofL, Velma Kelly
March 23, 2012 marked the opening night of Chicago the Musical at the Red Barn on the University of Louisville campus. It was the first time in four years a musical had run on campus. This time the musical was produced and performed by a completely student run group called Cardinals for the Appreciation of Musical Theatre. This new Recognized Student Organization is lovingly called CAMT by all its members and is becoming well known by its acronym across campus after the success of Chicago the Musical.
Spencer Scruggs started CAMT in October 2011 during his freshman year. Spencer was excited to come to UofL, expecting a strong musical theatre presence. When he did not find what he was looking for, he began CAMT in order to share his passion for musical theatre and pass that passion on to others. Not expecting to have a show so quickly, the organization grew quickly and in December of 2011, CAMT held auditions for Chicago the Musical.
After the winter break, the cast members quickly dove into the rehearsal process. All the cast members quickly became devoted to the show and each other during the three-hour rehearsals held three times a week. There was some frustration during the process, but in the end the cast came together through their shared experiences in rehearsals.
Once dress rehearsals began after a week off for Spring Break, the cast began to feel the anticipation and thrill of what they were doing together. The show quickly began coming together for the finishing touches during that final week of rehearsals in the Red Barn. The small discrepancies were smoothed out and the cast prepared for opening night on March 23rd.
All those involved were nervous on opening night, as most performers are, but it soon became apparent that the cast was well prepared. While it was storming outside, the CAMT cast of Chicago performed for a nearly full house, thunder accenting the show with its own applause. After the show the cast took their bows and celebrated their opening night performance.
The Saturday night performance on the 24th was probably the most exhilarating for the performers. Word quickly got around to the entire cast that the show had been sold out and extra seats had even been added. The thrill of such an achievement and the enthusiasm of the audience fed the performance and the performers. Coupled with the thrill of the performance the cast of Chicago was also honored to have the cousins of Maurine Watkins, the writer of Chicago, attend both the Friday and Saturday night performances. It was an even greater honor to hear them describe the CAMT performance as the best they have seen since the Broadway Revival.
The final performance was Sunday night, March 25th, and the cast was sad to see the show come to an end. While Chicago the Musical had come to an end, it was just the beginning for those involved and the organization that had put on the show. There were several cast members performing in a musical for the first time and who are looking forward to their next chance to perform on stage. It is apparent to say that CAMT’s first musical was a success for all those involved, and the organization achieved its goal of creating and sharing a passion for musical theatre throughout the UofL campus.