Directed by Sarita Alvarado, “America Through Our Lens” is the Oakland University Kaleidoscope Cabaret Theatre’s second annual performance. It is an inspirational look into the global majority of America and the world.
Kaleidoscope is made up of marginalized theater students of color, but it also intersects with queer students and students of a variety of different gender identities. It aims to give a voice to these students typically silenced by a eurocentric narrative — as described by Kaleidoscope’s Instagram.
“America Through Our Lens” was brought to audiences January 27 and 28 with matineée and evening showings showcasing the talents of many theater students of color, including the group’s vice president and assistant director of “America Through Our Lens,” Tuger Xiong — who is also a recipient of the Keeper of the Dream scholarship in 2024.
“Even if the world does not accept us for who we are, even if we’re not represented, we have a voice, we can take the stage, we can literally make our own art, make our own stage — just like Kaleidoscope does,” Xiong said.
During one of Kaleidoscope’s numbers, “I’ll Cover You” from the musical “Rent,” Tuger took the stage with Yeshua Hardy and put on an absolutely wonderfully choreographed and sung performance. This rendition of “I’ll Cover You” broke barriers not only with theater students of color but also queer theater students. This intersection is at the heart of Kaleidoscope’s message.
Kaleidoscope’s performance was mainly a mix of musical theater numbers, dramatic scenes and dances to modern songs such as “American Idiot” by Green Day, and “America Has a Problem” by Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar.
The troupe was also accompanied by a live band consisting of drums, bass, guitar and the director of choreography on keys.
In my opinion, the band was a little underutilized in certain aspects. There were moments where there was some clipping and grain in the audio production, however, this is completely overshadowed by the standout performances by Christian Brannon, Gavin Carcamo, Yeshua Hardy, Tuger Xiong, Xiemena Perez, Destiny Booms and others.
“I just saw that the people of color were underutilized and underserved and I thought we needed to change that. I said, ‘Why can’t I be the one to do that,’” Alvarado said.
Alvarado’s advocacy and activism are prevalent in their direction. They gave proper spotlight to every performer in the troupe, giving them time to shine in scenes that played to their strengths.
All of the strife, angst, struggles and tribulations that Alvarado’s troupe managed to cover during its short, hour-long runtime, came to a head during their penultimate performance of “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story” from the blockbuster Lin- Manuel Miranda directed musical, “Hamilton.”
This song aptly brings together the string of different ideas and themes touched on throughout the performance and is a fitting conclusion to this year’s 2024 Kaleidoscope cabaret performance.
Alvarado hopes to pass the torch along to current vice president, Tuger Xiong and continue the vibrant and impactful performances of OU’s Kaleidoscope theatre for years to come.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
