(Katie Perschau/Fourth Estate)

Singer and actor Darren Criss charms Mason students with musical performance

BY KATIE PERSCHAU, CULTURE EDITOR

Darren Criss, an actor and singer known for his role as Blaine Anderson in the television show “Glee,” headlined the 20th annual ARTS by George! benefit at the Center for the Arts on Saturday Sept. 27, performing a medley of lively songs that delighted donors and Mason students in “An Evening with Darren Criss.” 

Criss is a Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe winner who is well-known for his role on “Glee” as well as a number of roles in Broadway musicals. He played covers from the show as well as musical numbers and original songs. 

The performance began with a cover of “Somewhere Only We Know” from “Glee.” Donors watched calmly from the front rows while Mason students sitting toward the back broke into animated applause as Criss sat at a piano and sang the first notes.

After another “Glee” cover, Criss introduced himself to the donors and explained his passion for theater and the arts. His laid-back, friendly demeanor captured attention from the intimate stage and relaxed the crowd, eliciting laughs from students and donors alike. “I’m grateful to be here as a part of ARTS by George!” Criss said. 

Next, he sang “Hopelessly Devoted To You,” while the audience cheered and whooped as he hit challenging notes.

Criss brought Broadway vocals to the Mason stage by singing “The Way That It Has to Be” and “A Sentimental Person;” two songs from his musical “Maybe Happy Ending,” which he is currently on a nine-week hiatus from.

The performance also included several original works by Criss. Cheers could be heard throughout the theater as Criss made trumpet sounds with his mouth during “Walk of Shame,” a comical song influenced by classical jazz. 

His set list also included a song he wrote for “A Very Potter Musical”, a musical parody of the “Harry Potter” book series. Perhaps the most well-received and enthusiastically acknowledged song of the night, students laughed and chanted along as Criss sang the different characters’ parts. 

Criss noted that many audience members might not be “Harry Potter” fans, but after hearing the crowd’s reaction he laughed and said “Man, I am glad I did that song.”

(Katie Perschau/Fourth Estate)

After his last song Criss exited the stage but returned moments later for an encore. After playing two more songs, he thanked the audience for supporting the arts in academic institutions —  something he repeatedly mentioned his passion for. The crowd punctuated Criss’ performance with a standing ovation led by the donors.

As a part of the fundraiser before the performance, donors partook in a paddle bid that raised $47,000 to support student scholarships for the College of Visual and Performing Arts, Mason Community Arts Academy, Green Machine ensembles and the Center for the Arts, according to the Center for the Arts development team. 

President Gregory Washington spoke to donors and attendees at the event to encourage their generosity in supporting the arts and highlight Mason’s recent accomplishments.

Criss’ variety of colorful songs and witty banter were a pleasant capstone to the fundraiser and a celebration of the performing arts. 

“It was amazing, heartwarming and brought back childhood memories,” said senior Juliana Wagner, a Center for the Arts box office employee.

“Glee” fan and Mason junior Brett Weaver echoed Wagner’s praise and added that he felt that by the end of the night, Criss had created a little community in the theater.