The 76th Annual Rock Chalk Revue was an absolute success for the Alpha Nu Chapter at Kansas. Directors Joey Wood ’25, (pictured below in blue) Henry Curnow ’25, (in yellow) and Jack Ritter ’27, (in brown) produced the show “Sweet Escape” with Chi Omega’s Megan Mahloch, Yana Keane and Brooke Techau for the better part of the past year. The hard work paid off on March 1 as the production won a swath of awards including Best Overall Show.
Of the Revue’s 22 annual awards, the Beta Theta Pi and Chi Omega cast took home 11, the most of any Revue show since 2007. “Sweet Escape” claimed the top prize for best overall show, story, production number, choreography, costumes and overall chorus performance.
A few members of the cast took home individual awards, too. Ritter won Best Male Supporting Character for his role as Chip. Curnow and Techau, starring as iconic duo Mike and Ike, won Best Comedic Performance. Patrick O’Farrell ’27, won Best Male Ensemble Member and Keane won Best Female Supporting Character.
“By the time it was show week, everyone was just having fun.”
Joey Wood, Kansas ’25
The story of “Sweet Escape” follows Mr. Dad, played by Wood, a work-consumed father who is transported into the world of the board game Candyland. While trying to escape the game, he learns lessons about anxiety, laughter and working with others from the other leads in the show. Ritter’s Chip reminds Mr. Dad of his real-life, fun-loving and giddy son, while Curnow’s Mike was the boneheaded and quick-to-speak half of Candyland’s comedic duo, Mike and Ike.
The Beta-Chi O pairings included Wood as Mr. Dad with Mahloch’s Queen Bubblegum, Ritter as Chip complimenting Keane’s Smartie, and of course Curnow and Techau playing Mike and Ike. The group led the ensemble cast of near 50 through four songs and three scenes for a show lasting more than 25 minutes. Curnow, a senior, said it was one of his best experiences in college.
“At Beta, I have had the opportunity to hold many leadership positions, including being president of the Alpha Nu chapter,” Curnow said. “However, being a Rock Chalk Revue director was the most rewarding experience throughout my four years because of the impact it makes on our community and the skills I learned by being on stage in front of thousands.”
Since 1949, fraternities and sororities at Kansas have planned and produced Rock Chalk Revue, taking center stage at the Lied Center in front of thousands. The variety show has raised more than $2.5 million for local charities through the years.
“It was amazing to see our hard work go toward something that makes a real difference in Lawrence.”
Fitz Horn, Kansas ’25
Beta and Chi Omega were also awarded the Creative Planning Most Charitable Award. Between fundraisers and food drives, the group raised more than $6,500. The entire Revue raised $60,000 this year for the Ballard Center in North Lawrence, a 501(c) non-profit that provides need-based services to families.
“Being executive producer of Rock Chalk Revue this year, I got to see how much Alpha Nu really showed up — not just on stage but in support of the community,” said Fitz Horn ’25, the executive producer who led the entire student-run Revue. “Our chapter donated over $6,500 to the Ballard Center, and it was amazing to see our hard work go toward something that makes a real difference in Lawrence.”
On the final night of performing, the crew of the performing theater, the Lied Center, gave the cast an unofficial tech team award. The crew said the way in which the six directors led the cast during rehearsal throughout the semester stood out. There was something different about how the group balanced detailed and focused practice time with having camaraderie and keeping everyone engaged.
“Our cast is what made our show so successful,” Wood said. “They were always willing to help and brought creativity to make our show the best it could be. It honestly made my job easy as a director because of the great cast and how well they did leading up to the show. By the time it was show week, everyone was just having fun.”
Many Alpha Nus also served on Rock Chalk Revue’s Advisory Board. Alongside Horn, who followed a long line of Alpha Nus in serving as executive producer was Michael Go ’25, Pete Rottinghaus ’25, Josh Anderson ’26, Luke Rothfuss ’26, and Chase Wernimont ’27.
—
Written By Jack Ritter ’27
Photos by Eden Hadley, Chi Omega
