History

In 1997, there was no musical theater group at UR.  David LaPrairie initiated the Broadway Singers, an auditioned group that rehearsed and performed a musical revue assembled from Frank Wildhorn’s “Jekyll & Hyde” in the Interfaith Chapel.  It was a small group, but it was the beginning of something much bigger.  As the fall semester of 1998 came to a close, Susan Hammontree (Lynch) took the helm, dubbing the group Off Broadway On Campus to attract more performers.  The new name welcomed dancers and actors to the group, and there would be no more auditions.  “If you like musicals, you’re in.”  The new group performed revues compiled from many different shows.

Becoming S.A. recognized under Nora Macey (Christman)’s leadership in the fall of 1999, they moved their productions to Lower Strong Auditorium, where the group performed regularly for years.  At the spring revue of 2002, the stage was packed with OBOCians and the auditorium was packed too: people were sitting in the isles! It was time for a larger venue, and OBOC moved its productions to Upper Strong Auditorium.

Ever continuing to grow in membership, the group again found a way to attract more talent and ask more from its members.  In 2007, OBOC added a pit orchestra, conducted by a student and playing music transcribed and arranged by students.  OBOC also shared its singular sense of humor in several small skits, adding a new dimension to the show and keeping it to a steadier pace.

This year, in the fall of 2008, OBOC proudly celebrates its tenth anniversary.