Epiphany and Mozik: “One Show” Review (Part 1)

Last month, I attended the first ever joint production put on by both Epiphany and Mozik Modeling Troupes of Winston-Salem State University. When initially starting this blog, I intended to never review any show of the two to not step on toes be biased as a former student of WSSU. Then I thought about how a constructive critique can be the best thing for all to hear and learn from cause…well I want them both to kick ass on the east coast and be known far and wide. Can’t do that holding back now can we?

Let’s just start off  with how proud I am that the two campus rivals came together and were civilized! It took almost a decade for this show to happen, but the models and organizers didn’t let past petty dramas, allegations, and sucker punches get to them well, sort of.

or d’oeuvres - Video Interlude

The storyline of the show, shown via a campy mini-movie,  had the two groups summoned to campus activities by student body president, Jonathan Jackson. they are given an ultimatum, do a show together, or be kicked off the yard for their misdeeds (how Romeo and Juliet a la The Prince’s mandate to the Capulets and Montagues). Soon, a trip across the world’s biggest fashion centers ensues, with the aim of bringing the groups together, Milan is first, Tokyo second, then Paris, and last New York City. Milan and New York City were the two scenes were models from both troupes walked together and showcased their joint creative skills. Japan was Epiphany’s scene and Paris, Mozik’s.

Entrée– Milan

The first scene, Milan, started off with a minimal set. Chairs and a large white backdrop were used to convey the location and the models pumped to aggressive electro-house beats. The entire scene was 100% runway. Walk wise, it was full of energy and attitude. The models wore lovely creations and looked refined. Some of the clothing was ready-to-wear, but most were embellished and came to life. Since this was the first scene, it accomplish the task of wanting me to see more. The stage presence of the models, high energy music, and gorgeous fashion set a good bar to launch the rest of the show.

Tokyo (Epiphany)

Epiphany's scene, Tokyo opened up similar to the Intergalactic Android Auction competition show of last year. A commentator/Japanese spirit introduced us to a world where the Epiphany executive board had to survive three levels of a video game to…well…I don’t know. The audio wasn’t very clear and the cheers from the audience drowned out the sounds.

A traffic scene started before stripping into a group routine and a strong single walks runway. Epiphany’s routines through out the entire piece were lively and exhibited range. There were girl routines, boy routines, gay boy routines, and a sexy burlesque section towards the end that slowed down the fierce energy the show started off with. I’m guessing someone’s been reading my blog posts about dynamic energy levels! Of course, I was not surprised by the intricacies of Epiphany’s choreography and expected the quirky, innovative moves that EMT delivered.

What surprised me was Epiphany’s fashion. Since 2008, the troupe has been working on getting its fashion back to where it was from 2001-2006 this show only proves that EMT is continuing to work and perfect this once slightly ignored part of their shows.

As far as the backdrop, I was blown away. Kudos to the kid that did it!

To sum it up, EMT delivered this scene. They have evolved a lot in the past 3 years, and the old formula for shows is still used but upgraded. The walks are more powerful. However, the turns are one of the few critiques I have. If you’re going to be simple with something, then the detailing and execution must be perfect. Other wise, great job.