Xmas – or, one sec, XMAS! (for full effect) – is an annual student-written musical at Columbia that celebrates the absurdities of the holiday season. I was fortunate enough to take part inXMAS!13 as one-half of a self-interested duo begrudgingly tasked to find Santa’s replacement by way of a holiday-themed game show. With a beautifully written and orchestrated score by Simon Broucke and a wonderfully hilarious book by Phanesia Pharel, our XMAS! lifted campus spirits right before Fall semester finals.
"The standout duo playing the part of conniving producers of “The XMAS! Factor,” Bruce and Shelly, Joel Meyers, CC ’21, and Genevieve Joers, CC ’20, delivered the evil corporate villains of the production with almost snow flaws.
Their Grinch-like quality particularly shone through in moments when the antiheroes would boast of the success of their schemes. [...] Meyers would strut the stage adorned in Hugo Boss with one sinister eyebrow raised, voraciously leaping onto wooden boxes painted as Christmas gifts."
"The producers were also a highlight. Joers and Meyers had a great dynamic, wavering somewhere between lovers and bitter enemies. Their physical comedy was especially good; both were expressive and seemed to embody the weasels they’re called throughout the show."