Theater’s ‘Momentum!’ Explores Life’s Pivotal Choices
Westmont Theatre Arts unleashes “Momentum! A Musical Revue,” an exhilarating showcase celebrating the courage to leap into the unknown, chase ambitious dreams and embrace life’s unexpected turns. Directed by Samantha Eve, Westmont instructor of theater arts and artistic director of Out of the Box Theatre Company, the show features dynamic performances that highlight the choices shaping human character. Performances run Friday, Sept. 18, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 19, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 20, at 2 p.m.; all in Porter Theater. Tickets are available at westmont.edu/boxoffice for $20 general admission and $12 for students, seniors and veterans.
Through vibrant vocal arrangements, Westmont students bring to life classic “I want” songs from the musical theater canon—capturing characters as they yearn for more out of life and navigate wild new developments.
Eve conceived the project after connecting with Westmont theater students and recognizing their expansive artistic ambitions.
“I’ve been deeply impressed by the incredible span of their artistic interests, from playwriting to arts administration to musical theatre,” Eve says. “In most junior high and high schools, the primary exposure to theater centers on musical theater, but when students shift into college programs, finding musical theater opportunities becomes more challenging. When Professor Mitchell Thomas suggested bringing a musical theater project to the students, the prospect of offering this experience to anyone interested immediately excited me.”
The theme itself emerged naturally from the shared college experience, where young adults constantly adapt, grow and step into new responsibilities.
“Once the base idea of ‘Momentum!’ struck, it all rolled along and built up momentum on its own,” Eve says. “College marks a total shift in life. It means moving somewhere new, living in a dorm for the first time and embracing sudden independence. Long after my own college years, momentum still pulls me toward new projects, friendships and adventures. As human beings, we constantly evolve into new versions of ourselves. Theater reflects humanity at its best, making this a central theme in musical theater.”
Producing the revue on a tight rehearsal timeline has demanded intense focus and dedication from the cast.
“Scheduling requires careful coordination for every production, but these students race over from evening classes and dinner, juggling homework and part-time jobs,” Eve says. “Their dedication inspires me as these complex songs come together in such a short amount of time.”
Rather than prescribing a single message for viewers, Eve values the distinct perspective each person brings into the theater.
“One of the most magical things about theater rests in how every single audience member takes away something different from the experience,” Eve says. “I hope it offers everyone a touch of courage the next time we face big life changes — something to hold onto that helps us remain open-hearted and willing to adapt in order to grow.”