From February 21 to 22, students from Pacific Union College and PUC Preparatory showcased the largest cast turnout of PUC on Broadway at the Paulin Hall Auditorium. A student-led production, this year’s directors and producers were PUC seniors Leila Beltran, a senior liberal studies and music major, and Emily Lalas, a biology and music major.

Beltran directed the first-ever production of PUC on Broadway in 2023. This year was a full-circle moment, marking her Broadway return this year, her last. Some differences this time around for her involved directing in the renovated auditorium, which allowed access to new lighting and costumes that were unavailable two years ago. With a larger cast, the show was extra special. For two nights, they performed songs from & Juliet, [title of show], Hadestown, Hamilton, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Mean Girls, Little Shop of Horrors, My Fair Lady, Something Rotten, The Count of Monte Cristo, The Lightning Thief, The Prince of Egypt, The Phantom of the Opera, and Wicked.

On opening night, “Drive” from The Lightning Thief was a hit performance. “It was corny to the point that it was enjoyable,” said Beltran. “And with the little hand motions that go with it? You can’t beat that.” For the last show, “Dentist” from Little Shop of Horrors was the audience's favorite. Songs from The Phantom of the Opera and Hamilton also thrilled the audience both nights, as expected. Beltran praised the PUC students who played Christine Daaé (Elena Blum) and the Phantom (Milton Perez), as they brought the "eeriness" and "operatic singing" to life. PUC student Gabe Lopez II, who portrayed Aaron Burr in “The Room Where It Happens” from Hamilton, was a standout. Beltran shared that his dramatic, brilliant performance brought the show to a memorable finish, leaving the audience in awe.

When selecting which productions and songs to include, Beltran and Lalas chose the ones that best suited the cast members. As some had already been involved in PUC’s theater productions, new members impressed them to the point where they instantly knew which song was meant for them. As they create a supportive culture within PUC on Broadway, one of the things Beltran and Lalas do not do is make cuts–whoever wants to join is automatically involved, and the directors organize rehearsal schedules so each member is able to participate. Many who try out are students who normally would not be seen upfront, but PUC on Broadway gave them the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone, showcase their passion for the arts, and put them in the spotlight.

Two years ago, that was the situation for Lalas, as PUC on Broadway took her out of her shell and introduced her to an amazing community of people who share the same love of music and enjoy it together. Leading this year’s show brought her happiness to see others do the same, forming connections and being their authentic selves in a space that provided them with that safety net they had not known otherwise.

“I want to create a supportive, welcoming theater culture within PUC on Broadway,” expressed Beltran. “I’ve always been about including others and inspiring the next generation of people. The entire show came into existence to make theatre fun and inviting. The cast is happy to be here. There are no typical prima donnas or people who try to bring each other down. Just honest, good fun, and that’s what makes this show so special.”

With two months preparing for PUC on Broadway, the vision for the show was simple: to have as much fun as possible. When Beltran was in high school, she did not have the opportunity to get into theater. Since being at PUC, she has wanted to provide that opportunity for those like herself who never had a shot, and to prove that the theatre community can be strong on campus and is here to stay, which she has wonderfully done.

From the initial process of making the show through rehearsals, costume organization, and choreography practice, Beltran relished being co-director and a performer, while balancing her academic life and student-teaching fifth and sixth-grade English. As she already knew, no show can run on just one person, as much as Beltran’s independent tendencies wanted to tell her otherwise.

There were many people involved in helping PUC on Broadway be the successful show it was through their talents, such as PUC Professor of Music Ronnie Zanella as pianist, PUC student Julieanne Dizon as stage manager, and Tessa Zeigler, who helped with advertising materials and program design. PUC’s Music Department Office Manager Becky St. Clair also helped with practices, and Calvin Tamada, Westin Boles, and Nick Jefferson, who was on the A/V team and pulled through for the cast by staying late after rehearsals and cueing cast members if microphone packs weren’t working. “Production value is important, and these three gentlemen are the reason why what we do looks and sounds good,” shared Beltran.

Many audience members expressed their love for the production's professionalism, not feeling like a recital or a random performance, and for how much fun the cast looked to be having onstage. One person shared how much the show had gotten much better from last year’s, which Beltran was proud to hear. Some students whom Beltran had begged to join the show even expressed regret for passing up the opportunity and vowed not to make that mistake again.

“This show was a blast to put together,” said Beltran. “I’m so proud of the community our cast created. They watched out for each other during our performances. They let each other know when the next number was on deck, and they helped each other with makeup and choreography, led by PUC Prep Student Jazmin Baltodano. They were there for each other without me having to say anything, which speaks to the people PUC has on this campus. Know that we are capable of this and so much more. Never let anyone tell you otherwise.”

With Beltran and Lalas being seniors, they hope to pass on their wisdom and guidance to the next PUC on Broadway director before they graduate, to continue opening the doors to this artistic stage and keep the culture alive, welcoming everyone. “I have witnessed many people improve and gain so much confidence throughout the process, which is thrilling to see,” said Lalas. “People don’t always know what they are capable of, and I believe this production continuously breaks down boundaries and some negative stigmas regarding theatre.” They also hope the PUC community will continue to support these students by attending and promoting their shows, as well as donating. “I hope this legacy lasts,” added Beltran. “If only for the fun and community it brings to campus. There’s a want and a need, and I'm happy to have played a small part in making it that way.”