KMSA does its best to provide a diverse range of music for its audience. One of its most unique, and to some most unconventional or maybe even unexpected radio shows that features, you guessed it, show tunes. The show, titled “Show People,” is hosted by DJ Mr. Cellophane.
Mr. Cellophane, also known as Robert Johnston, is a senior history major and has recently re-joined the ranks of KMSA DJs.
Johnston had a 6-month stint on KMSA his freshmen year and now ,a couple years later, he is back to add the flare that only Broadway can bring.
His love for music theater began very early in his life.
“I think it started pretty young,” Johnston said “When I was four or five my mom took me to the movie store almost everyday and almost everyday I picked Mary Poppins so I think that’s when it started.”
As he matured so did his appreciation of music theater.
“My sophomore year (of high school) we did ‘Finian’s Rainbow,’ which I had never heard of,” Johnston said. “I went and listened to the album and I really liked it, so I started looking for other shows I hadn’t heard of.”
Johnston taught himself about music theater. He became a Broadway connoisseur. He discovered several soloists that became his favorites, including Broadway legends Bernadette Peters, Ethel Mermen, Patty Lapone, and Elaine Stritch.
“People should give my show a listen because it’s probably not what they think it is,” Johnston said.
They are many stereotypes that come to mind when most people hear the words show tunes or Broadway but Johnston does his best to show just how versatile Broadway can be.
“(People think) That its either really hokey or really gay and a lot of the times it is,” Johnston said “I try to focus on stuff that is more contemporary or rock focused.’
He also added quickly: “It’s nothing like Glee and I don’t want to talk about Glee cause it will make me want to punch a whole through something.”
Ultimately Mr. Cellophane just wants to share his passion with his peers.
“Plus I just love talking about show tunes,” he said.
He’s also an avid reader and video game enthusiast. He has his own web site called boywithbooks.com where he discusses the books he’s read, just another way he shares his interests with the world.
“Show People” airs Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m.
The name of the show and his call name are related but only a seasoned music theater connoisseur would know how.
“At the time the show I was really obsessed with called ‘Curtains’ and there was a song in it called ‘Show People,’ so I just sort of stole it.”
“Curtains” was written and composed by Kander and Ebbs who are more commonly known for creating the musical “Chicago,” which is the show Mr. Cellophane was derived from.
This is just one example of the subtle nuances and thoughtful planning that goes into the producing efforts for “Show People”.
If “Show People” intrigues you, tune in because you never know when something new will become your next show stopper.
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