If you’ve been hoping for a guys-only version of “Miss Congeniality,” you’re in luck. This Tuesday, the men of Marist will be hitting the stage and competing in an event sponsored by the Class of 2015 and Marist Relay for Life. The competition, last held in the spring of 2013, will feature ten of Marist’s finest as they vie for the honor of being “Mr. Marist.”
Inspired by similar shows put on at high schools and colleges, the idea of Mr. Marist was conceived two years ago. “We wanted to come up with a fun way to bring the class together and the school together,” says Nacho Borbolla, Mr. Marist co-producer.
The show’s profits will be entirely donated to Relay for Life thanks to input from co-producer Alyssa Ouellette. “I’m chair of Relay for Life so we wanted to do something that would combine both of what we love to do,” says Ouellette. The capping classmates are organizing Mr. Marist as a dual capping project and charity event along with the help of Matteo Fochetta and Dan Girolamo.
After the 2013 competition’s success, bringing Mr. Marist back to campus was a no-brainer. “We raised over $600,” says Borbolla. “We had no idea what we were doing back then and it was super last minute but it was a super success. The guys had a really good time; we had a really good audience. The judges were fantastic so we’re hoping this year is going to be even better.”
The guys last year may have had fun, but don’t tell them that this year’s crop might have them beat. “We’re really excited,” says Borbolla. “I think the guys we have this year, they’re better than the first year.”
“The first thing we’re doing is an introduction where they’ll walk down and join up on stage,” Ouellette revealed. “And then we’re actually going to be doing the fight song. There’s a talent round, sportswear, and then a Q&A with the judges.”
Promising a variety of personalities and viewpoints, the co-producers are confident in the guys in the cast. “We had a meeting yesterday to go over their talent ideas and everyone of them had such a great idea for what they wanted to do. They’re all very different but funny at the same time. So it’ll be really fun to see them all perform on Tuesday.”
If you want to see the men of Marist strut their stuff on stage (you know you want to), head to the Nelly on Tuesday at 9:15 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door.
Check out Mr. Marist on social media