LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — Los Alamitos High School sparkled on stage with its first choir show of the year: Broadway 2024. This show took place from Sept. 19-21 inside the Performing Arts Center through four shows. Sound FX, Soundtrax, Connexion, Xquisite, Axcent, Xtreme and Xpressions joined together to deliver a stunning performance, complete with powerhouse vocals and sparkling dance numbers.

The LAHS choir, managed by director Mr. Moellenkamp and associate director Mrs. Dherlin performed a combination of group and solo numbers from a diverse range of stage musicals, from “Wicked” to “Singin’ in the Rain.”

The school’s choir is nationally renowned for achieving excellence through its numerous prestigious awards. The school has even taken the liberty to do something they have never done before and proudly show pictures of the class of 2025 choir members outside the PAC on the big screen.

The show was divided into two acts. Act one consisted of 18 songs and drew inspiration from “Hercules,” “The Great Gatsby” and “Dear Evan Hansen. Act two had 15 songs with examples of soundtracks from “Hell’s Kitchen,” “Chicago” and “In the Heights.”

The night started strong as Sound FX stormed the stage with a glittering rendition from “The Great Gatsby.” Taking inspiration from the Jazz Age, performers wore sparkling golden flapper dresses reminiscent of the era. The energy was unmatched, as it was clear they were giving it their all and setting the stage for an exciting night ahead.

During the set, Sound FX members Barron-Bliss Fringer, Jack Burns, Jenna Currey and Mayah Tolosa collaborated on “Green Light” while Katelyn Chen and Arron Myers performed a featured duo dance in the background. The skill that Chen and Myers displaced was undoubtedly excellent; their gracefulness and power in their moves proved to be a beautiful representation of emotion and passion.

The standout of the show was the Xquisite’s performance of “Favorite Son” from “The Will Rogers Follies” as the members, clad in an ensemble representative of pure American patriotism, displayed their talent through incredible synchronization. With featured performer Cameron Bergmann, the performance was executed entirely by sitting down. They enchanted the audience with constant alternating hand movements that were mesmerizing in a blur of red, white and blue.

“One aspect of the Broadway show I thought was outstanding was (our) rendition of ‘Favorite Son.’ Everyone was so coordinated and focused,” said Xquisite member Zoey Pantig.

Solo numbers were plentiful throughout the night. Emily Gail commanded the stage with the “Hairspray” song “Good Morning Baltimore,” and Maddie Diggle’s rendition of “Wicked’s” hit song “Popular” was charming and full of personality.

Accompanying the soloists, Rianna Norman’s cover of “Part of Your World” from “The Little Mermaid” was nothing short of a showstopper, as Norman was more than capable of supporting long high notes. Her voice was the perfect fit for taking on the enchanting role of Ariel, and her solo was one of my favorites of the night.

At the start of Act Two, the Xtreme boys choir group dressed in blue denim and checkered plaid as they brought “The Outsiders” to life in a playful four-song set. Anthony Garcia’s role as the main character, Ponyboy Curtis, showed his resilience and allowed for a brotherly relationship alongside the rest of the choir members. When the two groups, the Greasers and the Socs, joined on stage, the dynamic was incredibly exciting to watch and well-received by the viewers.

To end the colorful and entertaining night, all the choir groups joined together on the stage to perform “Roaring On” and were met with an explosion of applause from their friends and family.

As this choir show was the first I’ve ever seen, it is an understatement to say that I’m incredibly impressed with the production quality, and the ensemble is lacking nothing in vocals and dance. The show was a delight to experience as the diverse range offered different experiences, and the dedication and passion from the choir and staff members was admirable.

“I love how the Broadway shows (brings) everyone in choir closer together. We all support each other and cheer each other on no matter what happens,” said Xquisite member Ashley Woo. “I hope choir shows have the same passion and excitement I feel when performing in them.”

By starting off the year with a strong start, make sure not to miss the remaining three choir shows of the year: the Holiday Show on Dec. 5-7, the Spotlight Show from Feb. 6-8 and the Pops Show on May 8-10!