‘Sing-A-Long Broadway’ at Popejoy puts the audience center-stage

Ever wanted to be a Broadway star? At “Sing-A-Long Broadway,” ordinary Burqueños can take to the stage at Popejoy Hall on Sunday, Jan. 25, and belt out their favorite show tunes.

“‘Sing-A-Long Broadway’ is a brand new musical revue, for lack of a better word, but instead of having the audience just sit and watch everyone else perform, they are the ones performing,” Kevin Hammonds, writer and director, said.

Hammonds has written the lyrics to several musicals, including “When Midnight Strikes” and “Brenda Bly: Teen Detective.” He said he has always loved musicals and was a typical “musical theater kid” in high school.

“All of my friends were in the drama program, and we would go over to each other’s houses and blare ‘Chorus Line,’” Hammonds said.

With “Sing-A-Long Broadway,” he wanted to create an immersive experience for fellow musical theater lovers.

“If someone buys a ticket to ‘Sing-A-Long Broadway,’ I think they know what they’re getting themselves into,” Hammonds said, “and to throw a party with an audience filled with musical fans is an incredible opportunity.”

The show will be co-hosted by an improv comedy duo, Kerry Ipema and Adrien Pellerin. Ipema previously co-wrote and starred in the one-woman show, “One Woman Sex and the City: A Parody on Love, Friendship and Shoes,” and Pellerin has created content for Comedy Central and Adult Swim.

“They’re both incredible performers,” Hammonds said. “We’re calling this ‘Camp Broadway,’ and they are your camp counselors.”

Ipema and Pellerin will lead the audience through a series of game show-like activities, including a “Wicked” riff-off, musical charades and a “Name That Diva” game.

Audience members are also encouraged to come dressed as their favorite musical theater character, and there will be a costume contest during the second act.

“I want people in the audience to be looking at each other, because they’re the stars,” Hammonds said.

The show is more unpredictable than other musical productions Hammonds has written and directed, since it relies so much on audience participation.

“Does it terrify me?” Hammonds said. “Yes.”

But as long as people bring positive energy and enthusiasm, regardless of talent, he believes the show will be a success.

“Before the show starts, the hosts will be in the audience, and they’ll find people who are excited about getting up and performing and give them a Broadway ticket,” Hammonds said. “We don’t vet the people. ... But even if they can’t sing, that’s OK, as long as they have heart and enthusiasm.”

Besides the audience volunteers, “Sing-A-Long Broadway” will spotlight special surprise guests, including prominent local performers.

Hammonds didn’t want to give too much away, but he said the program is designed with plenty of twists and surprises.

“As a Virgo, I would never want to just show up and stand at my seat and sing for two hours. I want to know there’s some sort of plan. And there is,” Hammonds said. “This is organized chaos, but purely organized as a full evening with different things to break up the singing ... some touching moments, some hilarious moments — lots of great stuff.”

Logan Royce Beitmen is an arts writer for the Albuquerque Journal. He covers visual art, music, fashion, theater and more. Reach him at lbeitmen@abqjournal.com or on Instagram at @loganroycebeitmen.