In a special performance shown only Sept. 26-27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fresno City College theatre, FCC students took the stage singing as they performed “Switched Cabaret.” The performance was a collection of broadway numbers taking an untraditional spin on well known pieces of media.
This performance was unique, as many roles were “switched” or altered when performed by the opposite gender, representing queer identities and relationships. The show also broke out of theater barriers by addressing the audience or pulling them onto stage to try a comedically terrible pie during “Worst Pies In London” in “Sweeney Todd.”
The performance was a piece of black box theatre, a setting with exclusive seating on the stage to enhance proximity with the performers and audience.
Some of the numbers sung consisted of popular works like “Grease,” “Waitress,” “Jekyll and Hyde,” “Shrek,” etc.
Seventeen performers sung duets or solos of 13 different musicals. Many of the students auditioned “performance ready” and rehearsed around once a week for 30 minutes, according to show performer Vega Ankrum.
Ankrum performed “Bad Idea” from “Waitress” as Dr. Jim Pomatter in the seventh number. She played the role that is traditionally male and her character sang a love song to Nurse Norma, who was played by Keira Villanueva.
Ankrum thinks it’s rewarding getting to show a different side to certain characters and break the barriers of the original role by making it her own.
“In my performance, it’s supposed to be a man and a woman who are both in marriages, cheating on their partners with each other, but it adds this layer of subtext where it’s like, the heart wants what it can’t have,” Ankrum said.
Many of the numbers had queer representation as the relationships shown would be opposite from what is in the original. Some heterosexual couples were portrayed as either gay or lesbian.
Ankrum believed this representation was important and she appreciated that FCC has represented itself as a place where we queer roles can be explored in the arts.
“I think it’s specifically important in Fresno. I feel like we have a very diverse community but politically, we do lean a little bit more conservative,” Ankrum said.
In this way, Fresnans can have more digestible exposure to queer media and atmospheres while also getting a fresh spin on beloved musicals. Performing arts students do more than just put on a show—they build community in and out of the theater.
Her sister, Zelia Ankrum, who played the role of the ogre Shrek from “Shrek the Musical” said, “It’s really important not to let go of things that are realities to so many people. Like, how discouraging is that? If we can represent it in any and all community. Why wouldn’t we? I agree with that.”
Zelia, playing a male presenting character, said it was challenging playing the opposite sex because she feels there is always an expectation for women that isn’t always the same for men.
“It’s kind of like, wow, not only do I have to put into the effort I would have to put in as a woman, it’s also an added layer of like, now I look like a man,” Zelia said.
Vega adds that it’s important to show your range in a way that you can’t do in more or less open-minded projects and performances. She feels that there tends to be set rules determining what roles you can play by your gender.
The director, Summer Session-Plevney, said the students got the opportunity to play the roles they’ve always wanted and normally wouldn’t have been cast as. She felt that trying to do something different is a strong risk.
“I think it shows something different in the way that theater can be done that I think some people might be afraid to do sometimes,” said Session-Plevney.
Session-Plevney said she tried to direct them in a way that respected and stayed true to the playwright and musicians attempt while also showcasing it more modernally.
As the first cabaret of the semester, FCC theatre opened up the door to embracing different representations moving forward.
