BY KATIE GAISER
Lions’ Pride Layout Editor

As I sat in the freezing cold Marmion Center waiting for the show to begin on Friday April 3, I was unaware just how spectacular the performance I was about to behold would be. Yet, after the first three numbers, it was clear to me that this show was much more than just an entertaining escape from reality. This show was an inspiring journey of faith, hope, and love.

The show entitled, “Hear My Song: A Journey of Faith,” told the story of nine individual journeys of faith. This musical review featured Broadway show tunes and pop songs that explored the casts’ personal relationships with God. Each story was told from the actor’s personal life, which made it all the more real and personal.

For the first time since she began the Drama Ministry program, Director of Music and Drama Ministry Melissa Hollis performed in the show, sharing with the audience her own personal journey of faith. Hollis was simply stunning with her amazing voice and the powerful message she brought to the stage with the creation of this musical review. As she began the show with a short introduction as to what we would be witnessing, her warm smile and welcoming presence invited all of us in the audience to explore our own personal journeys of faith.

The show consisted of two acts and had a wide variety of music, ranging from musicals like Hairspray and West Side Story, to more recent pop songs like “Waiting on the World to Change” by John Mayer. Throughout the show, each actor had his or her own conversation with God before performing a song that related to his or her personal journey.

The setting provided a classy yet intimate atmosphere. In the first act, actors Jon Galo, Melissa Hollis, Lisa Lomaglio, Cleana Francois, Adam Wethington, Kevin Smith, and Erica Doyle blew up the stage with their incredible voices and amusing dance numbers. The way they shared their personal struggles and desire to reconnect with God were so inspiring to me I nearly fell out of my seat watching and listening so closely. The second act was similarly amazing, as actors Amy Persaud and Anna Robinson sung beautifully as always in their solo performances. There were also a number of group performances that really pulled the show together. These songs demonstrated to me that although we all have struggles, the love and hope from our friends and the power of our faith can make any day shine brighter.

Although each song was wonderfully performed, there were a few numbers that stood out. Wethington’s powerful performance of the song “Close Every Door” from Broadway’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, moved me to tears. His honest and intimate portrayal of his struggles with being himself was simply inspiring. I also really enjoyed the song, “Human Heart” from Once on This Island led by Hollis. The entire cast lifted my spirit out of my chair with their beautiful harmonies and overwhelming passion. I could tell in each of their faces, they were singing from their souls.
I admire the cast members for having the guts to share their stories with the audience and show how they wanted to better their relationship God. I laughed, I cried, I danced in my seat, and I clapped until my hands were red. I was truly moved by this show and commend each of the actors for such an amazing performance. I can only hope that Hollis and the actors of the Drama Ministry will continue to perform their hearts out in future shows to come.