By: Alex Spindler

Legs kicked, glitter flew and voices shined in the Xavier University Singers’ latest show installment, “80’s Time Warp.”

Directed by Danny Manning, this ensemble group of 14 singers and dancers performed an eclectic show filled with songs by 80’s artists like Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper and more.

Combining swift choreography with rock ‘n’ roll music, this group definitely put on a show that never stopped entertaining. In past semesters, the Singers have produced works revolving around themes such as “Battle of the Sexes,” “Alice and Wonderland” and other decadespecific music.

While these shows weren’t dull, there was an odd mixture of songs that was both unfamiliar and disconnected from the audience. This performance, however, featured shoe-tapping, danceworthy music that never let up.

This isn’t to say that the performance was without its faults. Oftentimes, the ensemble’s choreography seemed flat and did not match the vitality of the melody. In addition, certain slips, vocal cracks and off-beat moves took away from soloist work and hindered the continuation of the show.

Nevertheless, the group shined in one of the strongest Singers’ shows that has been produced in recent years.

Particular students who stood out include Kristen Thomas, whose sweet voice did justice to Whitney Houston, and Zachary Julian, whose ineffable energy closed the show quite literally on a high note in “You Make my Dreams Come True” by duo Hall and Oates.

In addition, senior Rio Van Risseghem pulled out all the stops in her rendition of “Purple Rain” by Prince. This eleven o’clock number brought the audience to its feet, applauding the high-belting hysteria that unfolded note by note.

Mixing smart dancing and boisterous music, Xavier Singers was sure not to disappoint.

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