The concert kicked off with Wellesley College's new all-female group, Popular. Dressed in pink and black TAP-style outfits, the women sang classic TRL party hits. Though the songs were appealing, Popular's novice status was painfully obvious. Each soloist was clearly talented, but the background needed work. The timing and key were off. In addition, some of the soloists appeared unenthusiastic and unconfident, thus taking away from the party-girl-diva image that Popular was trying to project.
Popular can be likened to a group of drunken girls that get together at a party and start to sing. The outfits, songs and attitude were all there. Unfortunately, so was the characteristic murkiness of the inebriated. However, they are brand new, and there was talent within the group. Popular's rendition of Sir Mix-a-Lot's "Baby Got Back" showed potential; it was fearless, upbeat and all-around fun. I would not be surprised if, after a few years of hard work and with a better choral arranger, Popular became a much more successful and enjoyable group.
After Popular's performance, Route 9 opened with a wrestling match between Ryan Park '05, a chicken (Mark Sayson '04) and a Route 9 superhero (Julian Michael '04). Strobe lights and a referee (Isaiah Tanenbaum '05) added to the excitement. It was a big, dramatic opening that promised a big, dramatic show and Route 9 did their best to deliver. Random skits were interspersed throughout the program and the members of Route 9 acted and sang zealously. This enthusiasm did not stop at the skits. Watching Route 9 was a pleasure because they were apparently comfortable and happy to be where they were.
This is not to say that Route 9 Gone Wild was perfect. A couple of the skits were more strange than funny and, at times, they interrupted the continuity of the show. Also, some of the soloists were not well suited for the parts they sang. Although Park sings wonderfully, such a smooth, soft voice as his is better suited for a pop song than for Smashmouth's rough "All-Star." And at one point, Gonzalo Cruz-Schiavone '03 forgot his lines in the middle of a skit.
However, Route 9 presented a solid, well-rehearsed show with some truly impressive performances. Route 9's version of "Kryptonite" seemed more heartfelt and sincere than Three Doors Down's original song. Soloist Jon Brooks '03 used his body language as well as his voice to convey the emotion of the song, while Jim Decker '03 provided amazing and rich background vocals. The dances that accompanied some of the songs, like Weezer's "Island in the Sun" were entertaining and appropriate. Julian Michael '04 brought the show to the audience by shamelessly serenading the viewers in front during "No Diggity" by Blackstreet. He had all the smooth flirtatiousness of any MTV pop star. The show ended with a version of the Cheers theme song in which the lyrics had been changed to become an ode to TAP. Once again, Route 9 succeeded in making a personal connection with the audience here-it was one of the best-loved numbers of the show.
Despite all their talent, Route 9 could never be a good group without that special je ne sais quoi. Route 9's appeal essentially comes from their "cuteness." The soft colors of their outfits, the boyish energy and light vocals of the songs and even the choices of the songs themselves all converge to form a fresh, youthful energy that can only be described as adorable. Is this a bad thing? Not at all, if you're a member of Route 9. But a warning to consider before the next Route 9 performance: guys, this is not the place to bring your girlfriends-unless you want to hear her squeal "how cute!" and run off with one of the group members.