Musical Revival
Students create the Musical Theater Organization to bring Broadway to Loyola
Caroline Balchunas
Issue date: 3/13/09 Section: Music and Entertainment
The group has around 20 aspiring performers. Among the group are some faces to remember. Miki Byrne, the president of MTO and senior vocal performance major, has plans to move to New York City after graduation, hitting the cut-throat, cattle call audition scene that starving artists are accustomed to.
"I am a Broadway baby. I love to be on stage. I caught the bug when I was five singing karaoke in front of people. I want to share my wisdom and art with others," she says.
Byrne is recognized as the pioneer for MTO. Former MTO vice president, music education senior Rachel de Jonge says, "It has taken a long time to get the group recognized and organized. This [recognition] is largely because of Byrne. She believes in the group and the possibilities more than anyone. It is through her leadership that this group has become what it is and will grow more." Gendusa calls Byrne the "heart and soul" of the organization.
As with other members, Bryne hopes MTO will inspire a possible musical theater program in the future. "We hope Loyola will make musical theater a minor. There are so many people who love musical theater. We've been trying to build support and get more classes. We deserve it," she says. The successful performances are a result of a collective effort. " I love singing and acting, but I can't dance. So, I have two members who help me with choreography. Everybody has something they can bring to the table," says Byrne.
As MTO continues to try and gain respect and enthusiasm from the Loyola community, a promising future seems to lie ahead. "Everyone has been so gracious. There have been so many people that come and love it. They tell us they want more songs and a longer performance," Byrne says. "There's great things to come."
"I am a Broadway baby. I love to be on stage. I caught the bug when I was five singing karaoke in front of people. I want to share my wisdom and art with others," she says.
Byrne is recognized as the pioneer for MTO. Former MTO vice president, music education senior Rachel de Jonge says, "It has taken a long time to get the group recognized and organized. This [recognition] is largely because of Byrne. She believes in the group and the possibilities more than anyone. It is through her leadership that this group has become what it is and will grow more." Gendusa calls Byrne the "heart and soul" of the organization.
As with other members, Bryne hopes MTO will inspire a possible musical theater program in the future. "We hope Loyola will make musical theater a minor. There are so many people who love musical theater. We've been trying to build support and get more classes. We deserve it," she says. The successful performances are a result of a collective effort. " I love singing and acting, but I can't dance. So, I have two members who help me with choreography. Everybody has something they can bring to the table," says Byrne.
As MTO continues to try and gain respect and enthusiasm from the Loyola community, a promising future seems to lie ahead. "Everyone has been so gracious. There have been so many people that come and love it. They tell us they want more songs and a longer performance," Byrne says. "There's great things to come."
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