Students Enjoy Performances at Redline’s Spookapella

Noah Slayter

By Shardul Kanase

Redline, one of CUA’s three a cappella groups, hosted its annual Spookapella in the Pryz great rooms for students to enjoy Halloween-themed performances on Friday, October 20.

The event featured eight additional A Capella groups from universities around the DMV area. Each group performed two songs while dressed in a group Halloween costume, including themes like the “Wizard of Oz,” “Men in Black,” “Despicable Me,” and frat boys. Per tradition, apple cider and donuts were available for people before the show and during intermission, and the room was buzzing with students chatting and taking photos.

Redline, named after the DC metro line, holds the distinction of being Catholic’s inaugural a cappella ensemble, tracing its roots back to 2003. Recognizable by their signature red shoes, the group brought a unique energy to the evening, setting the bar high with their renditions of “Your Love is My Drug,” “Marry You,” and “Animal” in Barbie and Ken outfits.

Redline was not the only CUA a capella group to perform. Take Note amazed the audience with a rendition of “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush while dressed as the characters from the  Netflix series, “Stranger Things.” The Washingtones joyfully performed the “Monster Mash” by Bobby Pickett in classic mummy and vampire attire.

Other featured groups included MSN from George Mason University, Faux Paz and DaCadence from the University of Maryland, Dime A Dozen from American University, Ramifications from Virginia Commonwealth University, and Mama’s Boys from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

An encore by Redline included “Calling All the Monsters” by China Anne McClain and “Fire” by Sara Bareilles. To end the night, Redline sang “Disturbia” by Rihanna, featuring Emma Markey’s lead vocals as she comedically revealed her pregnant Midge Barbie outfit. 

Junior musical theatre major Joey Depto said he had a lot of fun singing with Redline this year.

“I love being a part of Redline, it’s been such a joy over the years,” Depto said. “Spookapella is a fun opportunity to see other musicians from all over perform!”

Several students loved the show, including sophomore nursing major Lucy McHale.

“Each group brought something new to the stage,” McHale said. “It was an exciting performance that did not disappoint expectations!”

Spookapella brought together a diverse group of students to revel in music, talent, and the Halloween spirit. As the night came to a close, it was clear that the performers had transformed into musical magicians, weaving a spell that left the audience feeling enchanted.