PLU dazzled audiences with The Great American Songbook: A Musical Revue, a celebration of iconic American songs from the 1920s through the early 1960s. Beginning in the early 1900s, a remarkably talented group of songwriters working primarily from the recording studios of New York’s Tin Pan Alley began producing hundreds of memorable songs. This creative hub, located in Manhattan’s flower district, became known for its eclectic mix of sounds—blues, jazz, ragtime, ballads, and upbeat dance numbers—which spilled out into the streets. These songs, often sold as sheet music for families to play at home, would go on to form what we now know as the Great American Songbook. While not a physical book, the Songbook is an enduring collection of popular jazz standards and show tunes that shaped American music.
This explosion of music occurred during a time when millions of Americans were facing the hardships brought by World War I and the Great Depression. These songs provided hope, comfort, and a sense of joy, transforming the musical landscape of the country. Importantly, many of the compositions were written by women, composers of color, queer composers, and Jewish immigrants escaping persecution in Europe—all of whom were represented in PLU’s performance. The Great American Songbook celebrated not only the songs but also the diverse voices and stories that make up America.
Directed by faculty member Tom Smith and fourth-year student Parker Brown, PLU’s production of The Great American Songbook offered a fresh, modern interpretation of these timeless classics. Songs like “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra and “Dream a Little Dream of Me” by Ella Fitzgerald were among the highlights of the revue. The show, with music direction by Amy Boers and choreography by Taya Lovejoy, brought these storytelling songs to life, each number recounting tales of love, loss, joy, and the pursuit of a better life. As Brown reflected, “The talent was mind-blowing. The smaller cast made it more intimate, and we built something together that felt personal.”
For Brown, co-directing this production was his first experience directing a large-scale show. His previous experiences as an actor at PLU, including performances in the Clay Crows improv group and Macbeth, shaped his approach to the project. Although The Great American Songbook was his first professional-level directorial experience, Brown had directed short scenes in PLU’s student-run One Acts during his sophomore year. This time, however, he took on greater responsibilities, including choreographing the tap sequence for “Singing in the Rain,” with the help of choreographer Taya Lovejoy.
One of the standout performers was fourth-year musical theater major Presley Clark’s, whose talents as both a vocalist and dancer captivated the audience. Clark performed the iconic Edith Piaf song “La Vie en rose” and served as the dance soloist in “Lucky to Be Me” from On the Town. Reflecting on the production, she spoke of the unique challenge it presented. “We were on stage the entire time, acting out each song to connect them into a continuous plotline,” she explained. “There was no dialogue, so conveying character through song and dance was an exciting challenge.”
Clark also appreciated the show’s inclusivity, noting that while the musical numbers came from a past era, the revue reimagined them in a way that resonated with today’s audiences. “The directors emphasized centering voices that were often overlooked in the original time period,” she said, pointing to the diverse cast, which included queer couples and performers of color. This commitment to diversity made the experience especially meaningful for Clark. “This has been one of my favorite shows I’ve been in at PLU,” she shared.
With a creative team that emphasized collaboration and a cast that brought heart and talent to the stage, The Great American Songbook offered audiences a modern take on classic American tunes. By blending historical songs with contemporary themes, this production ensured that the audience experienced these beloved melodies in ways they hadn’t seen before. It was a special treat for PLU alumni, who celebrated Homecoming with this dynamic and heartfelt production.
