By Angelina Perez, Arts and Entertainment Editor & Engagement Editor
As the MC Players prepare to put on their student slot show this upcoming weekend, The Quadrangle asked the cast of “Check, Please” what songs they’re listening to to prepare for the big performance. These are some of the cast’s top picks for their favorite songs to listen to while they prep for opening night.
Irene Papakanakis recommends ABBA – I Have a Dream
While I have only ever heard the Mamma Mia! version, which is the film adaptation of the original by ABBA, this still has a beautiful message about following your dreams and pushing through the challenges you face and thinking about what life can be like if you just let yourself imagine yourself where you are happy with where you are. I do have to say I might like the Mama Mia! version with Amanda Seyfried more than ABBA.
Favorite verse: “I have a dream, a song to sing / To help me cope with anything / If you see the wonder of a fairytale / You can take the future even if you fail.”
Kevin Cullen recommends Monty Python’s Spamalot – Always Look on the Bright Side of Life
Two musical numbers back to back, typical theater kids. I have never watched or heard of anything from Spamalot previous to this rec, but for a first time listen, the whistling and the message to always look on the bright side of life made me sway in my seat.
Favorite verse: If life seems jolly rotten / There’s something you’ve forgotten / And that’s to laugh and smile and dance and sing.
Karie Alvarez recommends Panic! at the Disco – That Green Gentleman (Things Have Changed)
This is my favorite Panic! album but surprisingly my least played song – which is ironic considering how much I was obsessed with them as a kid. I truly enjoyed the upbeat tempo and message of letting change in because it is inevitable.
Favorite line: “I never said I missed her when everybody kissed her.”
Anna Burnett recommends Lana Del Rey – Get Free
I love Lana and how well she articulates singing about freeing herself from the many toxic relationships she encounters. One thing you can count on Lana doing is making you feel like you are being manipulated by every single person in your life.
Favorite verse: “There’s no more chasing rainbows and hoping for an end to them / Their arches are illusions, solid at first glance.”
Maggie Knapp recommends Kali Uchis, Tyler the Creator, Bootsy Collins – After the Storm
This song makes me feel like I am being risen to the clouds. I need an entire album of a collaboration between this group before I die or I will pass away unhappy.
Favorite verse: Kali, what you mean? / I take it offensive / ‘Cause I’m the hottest flower boy / That popped up on the scene
Max Bennett recommends Taylor Swift – Vigilante Shit
I love Taylor Swift and she is my favorite artist, however this is my least favorite song she has ever made. I think it’s because I was never super into Reputation. When the song originally came out, I remember the mixed reviews it got and I will admit, I was one of the haters.
Favorite verse: I don’t dress for women / I don’t dress for men / Lately, I’ve been dressing for revenge
Tess Nunan recommends Taylor Swift – The 1
Tess unironically picked my favorite Taylor Swift song for me to review, which means by default, I will give it the highest rating of these Jasper Jams. Listening to this song, I always think about my past relationships and the “what ifs” that could have been a part of us. If you are someone like me who reminisces way too much, definitely add this to your playlist.
Favorite verse: “I, I, I persist and resist the temptation to ask you / If one thing had been different / Would everything be different today?”
Angelina Perez recommends Frank & Nancy Sinatra – Somethin’ Stupid
Come see “Check, Please” to understand why this song has not left my head. It is truly breathtaking.
Favorite verse: The time is right your perfume fills my head / The stars get red and oh, the night’s so Blue / And then I go and spoil it all / By saying something stupid like “I love you”