Those who weren't at the 38th annual "Spectacular" put on by the Ball State University Singers missed a spirited and energy-driven performance.
As the stage lit up and the overhead lights of Emens Auditorium went dim, the University Singers ran onstage to perform "We Built This City" for nearly a full house.
Choreography throughout this song and the entire first half was crisp, well put together and perfectly executed by the Glee Club.
The Singers were dressed in bright colors -- the men in green, purple or pink jackets with matching pants and the women in dresses of those same colors.
Next was a medley of various pop and rock songs sang by the a capella quintet knowing as "High Five."
"High Five" sang some Boyz II Men and other rock tunes, but spent the most time singing "Pop" by 'NSYNC, which included a joke the group had made before starting its number.
At that point, sophomore band member Dusty Miller dramatically threw up his hands and walked off stage while the remaining four sang without him.
About 30 seconds later, Miller reappeared onstage and yelled "stop," and the audience laughed.
Another funny moment was the band's tribute to Queen with its vocal interpretation of "Bohemian Rhapsody."
What was most amazing was senior Kirby Oelling's ability to hit Freddy Mercury's classic high note right before the rock section of the song.
Apparently the audience appreciated it too, because as soon as Oelling hit the note, there was immediate applause.
Toward the end of "Bohemian Rhapsody," five men on the far right of the stage held up lighters, generating more laughter from the audience.
After a quick costume change, members of the Glee Club were back onstage, this time dressed in Western-style attire and white cowboy hats.
"You Done Stomped on My Heart" gave "Spectacular 2002" a hint of country along with some humor.
"What do a tornado in Kentucky and a divorce in Kentucky have in common?" one member asked during the song. "Nothing. Either way you're losing a trailer."
The program was educational also.
Those who had never read Shakespeare's "Macbeth" got a quick plot summary of the play through the use of a vocal round.
After a short intermission after the first half, the University Singers came back onstage and proved the group could keep the energy and enthusiasm from the first half in the second half.
One of the tunes in the second half was "Rhythm Nation," which contained simple, yet rapid choreography.
Dancing helped to pull off another tune, this time "Mr. Roboto," with solo parts from senior Brian Paulsen.
Choreography in this number worked because of its jagged, robotic-like dance moves.
Fans of Robert Palmer will be pleased to know one of his songs wound up in the almost three-hour program with "Bad Case of Lovin' You."
The show ended just as it began showing a video that showed the cast.
Now that the University Singers have this year's "Spectacular" done, plans for next year's show are already underway.
"Spectacular 2003 is already scheduled next weekend a year from today," Paulsen said, "so mark your calendars."
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