By Barbara Vasquez, Asst. Production Editor
With the Players’ mainstage production “And Then There Were None” performing live this weekend, The Quadrangle checked in with the cast to see what they’ll be listening to pre-show. With these picks ranging from beautiful jazz to faster pop songs, there’s something for everyone in these twelve songs. Sit down, listen and immerse yourself in the experience!
Girl Babe Ooh by Loc Reeder and Rob Nolan – picked by Lochlan Reeder playing Thomas Rogers
I’m very impressed that there’s a published artist going to the same school as me. I could be sitting next to a potential superstar and I wouldn’t know it. There could be ten future famous people in every single one of my classes and I would be completely blind to the fact. It’s awesome.
Love Me Anyway by Chappell Roan – picked by Angelina Perez playing Ethel Rogers
I was obsessed with this song during my first few weeks back at school. Chappell Roan has had a huge jump into stardom the past year, and obviously, I became a fan. Her voice and lyrics are amazing, and most of her songs have such a unique sound that they stand out so much on my playlist. This song is probably one of my favorites from her, and I’m so glad to have spent the 3 minutes and 53 seconds listening to it again to write this anecdote!
Sailor Song by Gigi Perez – picked by Aaron Schoepf playing Fred Narracott
This song is absolutely beautiful. Perez’s vocals and the instruments combine to create a song that is full of emotion and moves me near to tears. The lyrics are devastating and so impactful, detailing the best and most terrifying parts of love.
No One Comes Close by Infinity Song – picked by Jill Tuthill playing Vera Claythorne
I love the mixing of vocals throughout the song, and the sweet lyrics lifted my mood after listening. The last minute or so of this song includes instrumental buildup and riffs—there’s quite a bit going on, but it all works in harmony, making for an absolutely amazing listening experience.
Both Sides of the Story by Phil Collins – picked by Owen Sweeney playing Phillip Lombard
This song transports me to my bed at home, waking up at 7am on a Saturday morning because my mom has decided to blast Phil Collins on her Alexa while she busies herself in the kitchen. I really want to be annoyed but I can’t, because Phil Collins is admittedly awesome. This song really cements that impression of him in my head.
Heartbreaker by Pat Benatar – picked by James Cullen playing Anthony Marston
The last “heartbreaker,” that Benatar sings before the song delves into a near minute long guitar solo is my absolute favorite part of this song. I cannot wait to walk around listening to this song in my headphones and feel really cool.
I Will by The Beatles – picked by Landen Scofield playing William Blore
I first listened to this song while stalking my best friend’s playlists, trying to figure out what selection of songs to put on a custom vinyl I was planning on getting for her birthday. I never got her the vinyl, and she ended up growing out of collecting records. But, whenever this song plays I think of her. Music and love are such powerful things, and I think “I Will,” really emphasizes the overlap that happens between the two.
No Control by David Bowie – picked by Kevin Cullen playing General Mackenzie
David Bowie, Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, whatever you know him as, he is such an interesting musician to me. He reminds me of an alien in the best way possible. Everything about him, from his style to his music– this song especially– has a slight extraterrestrial quality to it. It’s very cool.
Round Midnight by Adam Blackstone – picked by Olivia Bailey playing Emily Brent
I may need to move away from the mindset of equating jazz music to coffee shops, but not right now. I’m so close to abandoning the work I’m doing at the moment, heading to the nearest cafe I can find and ordering a hot cappuccino (that’s how you know I’m focusing on the vibe– I’m an iced drink girl through and through) to sip on slowly while looking out a window and contemplate something (not sure what). Maybe there’s a lit candle on the table and it’s starting to rain. Maybe I’m wearing a scarf for some reason. Who knows.
Nancy From Now On by Father John Misty – picked by Robert Nolan playing Lawrence Wargrave
I’ve only ever heard Father John Misty from his song with Lana Del Rey, “Let the Light In,” but after listening to this song I’m inspired to look into him some more. He has such a nice, soothing voice, and this song really shows it off well. I love this pick.
John Wayne by Lady Gaga – picked by Grace Coutu playing Dr. Armstrong
Gaga’s Summerboy was one of my favorite songs of the summer, and she’s made absolute hits like Just Dance, Telephone and so many more, so seeing this song on the list for review really excited me! And I think for some, this song would rank as high as the songs I listed above, but it’s not exactly my cup of tea. It kind of reminds me of a song that would play while Glen Powell’s running in slo-mo through a tornado in the 2024 Twisters movie, or in the background of a truck commercial. Definitely give it a listen if you’re into pop-rock songs with an ever so slight country twinge, though!
Us by Gracie Abrams featuring Taylor Swift – picked by Irene Papakanakis playing The Voice
Wow. I barely listen to Gracie Abrams or Taylor Swift, so I wasn’t sure what to expect with this song but it absolutely blew me away. This is definitely one of my favorite new songs I got from these recommendations. The music in the background reminds me of a different song that I cannot place for the life of me, but the chorus is genuinely addictive. I’ve been listening to this song on repeat while writing this excerpt– I really can’t get enough of it.