Diverse Performances
Each performer brought his or her own interpretation to the theme of the evening. Some were performers around Chicago, while others were staff members of Brown Paper Box Co. No matter the background, the performance was pleasurable and heartwarming. Some told stories of their childhood theatre going experiences. Others told of their current struggles and what they have attempted to do to remain positive.
M. William Panek, a founding member of Brown Paper Box Co., performed a song called “(Stupid) Things I Won’t Do,” while interspersing anecdotes from his childhood. It felt as if he were simply having a conversation with each audience member, while still making the song a room-filling performance.
Kristi Szczepanek, the host of the evening as well as a performer, shared her personal experience of being diagnosed with a mental disorder over the past year. The courage of each performer to share these personal anecdotes seemed to culminate with her story. Her struggle to remain positive was a scene-setter for the finale she began of the well-known “Tomorrow” from ANNIE. By this time, the audience felt so comfortable with each performer, now all on stage, that the sing-a-long felt like a natural progression.
