Straight from the streets of New York City, MSC OPAS will host BROADWAY’S NEXT H!T MUSICAL Friday in Downtown Bryan.
Directed by Rob Schiffmann and Deb Rabbai, the performance will combine current music and improvisation for a completely unscripted comedy musical event.
Schiffmann said the evening is set up as an award show involving audience participation, comedy aimed at local events and an entirely improvised performance.
“If we were to try to plan it, it would be like trying to write a musical in five minutes,” Schiffmann said. “It is actually easier for us to rely on the skills of improvisation.”
As guests enter, song requests will be taken and used in the show, making for a different experience each time.
“We will be coming to the audience for several ideas, it is certainly interactive,” Schiffmann said.
As a show revolving around improvisation, Schiffmann said he enjoys the spontaneity of the performance.
“You really have to work as a team and I truly enjoy that feeling of creating together,” Schiffmann said.
BROADWAY’S NEXT H!T MUSICAL performs at the Triad Theatre in New York City, as well as traveling events nationwide.
The event will be a part of First Friday, a monthly arts and culture event hosted by the Downtown Bryan Association.
This will be the second OPAS event to appear in Downtown Bryan, said Amanda Reynolds, Downtown Bryan Association programs and events manager.
“OPAS is absolutely fabulous at bringing in quality shows,” Reynolds said.
By hosting the show in Downtown Bryan, Reynolds said this allows different audiences to see the performance outside of the traditional OPAS attendees.
Rachel Fisher, student committee chair and senior urban planning major, said OPAS’s Downtown series is treasured by OPAS members.
“OPAS really strives to reach out to different demographics and really grasp all areas of our community and Texas A&M,” Fisher said. “Downtown Bryan is a huge part of our culture and our community.”
Reynolds said BROADWAY’S NEXT H!T MUSICAL tweeted Downtown Bryan to get suggestions on local topics to use in their performance.
“I’m super excited to be part of an interactive show,” Reynolds said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what they do with local information and how they incorporate Bryan and College Station into their show.”
The event will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Downtown 202.