This past month many members of Eureka College’s performing arts program performed Promises, Promises, a broadway musical based on the 1960 film The Apartment. As a musical with more of a moving set instead of set pieces like others, this musical was unique from beginning to end. Despite how intense this musical setup was, it was still able to set a record for attendance here at Eureka College.  

With no tech crew to build the sets, it was in the hands of the acting department to construct the sets, create costume designs and even come up with creative makeup ideas. Manual labor that many would be upset to do, was a favorite aspect for Senior Sean Blair and many of his castmates. Blair and Sophomore Steven Bartkus helped to kick off the musical with some extra advertisements on Good Day Central Illinois before their first run of the show. “I enjoyed being in front of the camera sharing the details of our musical for all those who were watching,” said Blair. 

As there is no longer a major or minor here at Eureka for theater, Blair, the last grandfathered-in student, anticipates a change for the better after the success of this play and past performances. “I am hopeful that Promises, Promises can contest the skill and talent my fellow castmates have, and inevitably shine a light on how important theater is to this campus.”