Divas Through the Decades at Broadway Bistro

Brick Road Productions, a student-led organization on Southeast Missouri State University’s River Campus, held an exciting cabaret-style production titled “Divas Through the Decades” at Broadway Bistro in Downtown Cape Girardeau on Jan. 29.

The group’s leadership is dedicated to providing performance opportunities and real-life experience for students’ professional careers in theater and acting.

It is for future vocal performers and students interested in directing, producing, designing, choreographing, dancing and technical aspects of show production.

Brick Road Sings is a recurring event that takes place through Brick Road Productions.

Kinya Kairigi is a junior BFA Theater major and the creator of Brick Road Sings.

“As a theater person in this world, a lot of us know of the very popular 54 Below in New York City, which is a very well-known cabaret which brings in so many stars on Broadway [and] off Broadway, so I thought why not bring that sort of atmosphere here?” Kairigi said.

The show took place in the rear end of Broadway Bistro, where the room was dim and populated with numerous chairs and tables. The stage was furthest back, with pink and purple lighting illuminating the performance space.

“I really wanted to keep it that cool, calm vibe that 54 Below has, and also have a more intimate space as well.” said Kairigi.

Each entry was $5 for students with a valid student ID and $10 for everyone else.

Kennedee Nash performs Lizzo's "Cuz I Love You."Photo by McKenzie Nelson

One by one, each performer took the stage and introduced their song and why they resonated with it.

The set list included songs like “I’d Rather Go Blind” by Etta James, “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys, and “Blue” by Beyoncé. There were ten solo performances, with one duet and one trio.

Freshman BFA theater major Emma Dugan sang Dolly Parton’s “Just Because I’m a Woman.”

All of the performers seemed as if they were made for the stage, including Dugan.

“The audience is always the best part. Getting to hear everyone singing and how the audience reacts to the singers and how much they enjoy the show,” Dugan said.

To close the production, Kairigi, Nash, and senior BFA theater major Kenya Devine performed “You Can’t Hurry Love” by The Supremes as a trio.

Senior BFA Musical Theater major Joshua Neighbors was the music director and arranger.

Brick Road Productions has a GoFundMe page through this link.

“The funds go to helping produce our shows. It goes to costumes, props, anything that can be used for our production status,” Nash said.

The next Brick Road Sings production will be “Billie Eilish” at Broadway Bistro on May 5.