A Review of Elon’s Beast Mode Champion: The Pro Wrestling Rock Musical
This past fall, Elon University’s department of performing arts was in a dilemma: how do you put on a show in the middle of a pandemic?
The performers took their stage outside to the tent right in front of the building that would normally house up to 100 people for opening night. But this time, they performed for a camera crew.
With beautiful aerial shots of Elon’s campus accompanied by the background noise of pre-performance chatter and musicians warming up, this video performance immerses you into the show right away.
Everyone in the show is able to sing, dance, and create characters that keep you invested in the story—even a story about wrestlers and two guys in food costumes trying to make it big. The dynamics between characters work flawlessly and their ability to perform as usual underneath a tent outside (even as it's raining) is incredible.
While watching, you start to forget that the actors technically need to be six feet apart during the whole show and somehow, they make it work.
Using the patio outside of the Center for the Arts building, the performers make the most out of what they got—their voices, costumes, and props.
It feels authentic, even raw at times when you realize the performer’s only audience is a camera lens. Even with COVID limitations, there’s not a doubt that everyone, even behind the scenes has put their all into the production.
With the use of cameras, this musical brings an element that wouldn’t otherwise be possible in a real-life performance: visuals, cuts, close ups, and perspectives that add another layer for the viewers enjoyment. It feels like a movie production, as the musical numbers and editing styles are top tier.
Jaelyn Alexander opens the show as the announcer for the pro wrestling match, bringing energy to the imaginary crowd, introducing us to the ring, the fans and the competition.
The next act brings the commercial break—a hamburger restaurant ad that ensues chaos between two background dancers and their boss, wonderfully played by Braden Philips, Sayo Oni and Jack Morrill.
McKenna Meeks plays the daughter of the famous (but injured) pro wrestler, played by Oliver Davids, who she joins in the arena, accompanying his gorilla costume dressed as a zookeeper.
Meek and Davids portray a realistic dilemma of a family intertwined with business and they are able to keep us entertained at the same time.
Check out the musical for yourself here!