The Marquis Players, Lafayette’s student-run musical theatre organization, doesn’t need a stage to bring down the house.

This past Sunday, the Marquis Players rang in the semester with their first-ever “Singing at the Stop” fundraiser, a performance event held at the Trolley Stop Diner. The event raised $405 for the Dan P O’Neil Memorial Fund, a longtime alumni charity supported by the Marquis Players that go toward campus art scholarships.

Co-Fundraising Chairs Carly Johnson ‘24 and Margot Galopin ‘22 spearheaded and organized the event under the guidance of the Marquis Players executive board. For an event that was planned during the recent spike of COVID-19 cases on campus, the board was happy with its success and the amount of money raised.

“Despite being in isolation and having to navigate the rising cases last week, the whole [executive board] was able to come together to pull off an exciting and well attended first fundraiser at the Trolley Stop,” Johnson said. 

“Singing at the Stop” was a big step towards reviving in-person performances after a hybrid spring semester. The event was designed to mimic a coffeehouse environment, spacing out casual performances throughout the night while audience members ate dinner. Anyone, regardless of their involvement in the Marquis Players, was able to sign up to perform.

Marquis Players Director Timmy Mayrose ‘23 was happy to start the semester for Marquis Players with a night that provided a change in tempo from the group’s usual musical theater productions. 

“Marquis Players has grown so much, and we love seeing all the talent we have to offer,” Mayrose said. “We had great performances from newcomers and existing members.”

Johnson added that the night showcased an “exciting and dynamic group of performers,” with acts ranging from original songs to show tunes.

Peter Canevari ‘23 started off the night with his cover of “Autumn’s Song” by Stephen Day, followed by Meredith Forman’s ’24 with a performance of “Yellow” by Coldplay on guitar. Liu ‘25 played their original song, “Parsimmon,” on the ukulele and Ella Teitsch ‘23 performed “Sour Candy” by Melt. 

After an intermission, Cormac Hurley ‘24 sang “Copacabana” by Barry Manilow, Helena Vannatter ‘22 played “Lost Boy” by Ruth B on the ukulele and Chris Taverner ‘25 sang “Being Alive” from the Broadway musical “Company.”

To end the night, Forman came up again to sing “She Used to Be Mine” from the Broadway musical “Waitress,” Alex Thurtle ‘24 sang “Someone to Watch Over Me” by Ella Fitzgerald and Galopin rounded out the performances with “Deja Vu” by Olivia Rodrigo. 

The executive board noted that “Singing at the Stop” was just a sneak peek at what the Marquis Players has in store this semester.

“Margot and I are beyond excited for the next fundraiser that we get to put on together in the near future. Our next big event is our fall showcase where we will also be announcing our Spring show,” Johnson said. 

More information about the Marquis Players can be found on their Instagram @marquisplayers.