Acoustic guitar and amazing voices filled the Shapiro Campus Center atrium Wednesday night at the "Shopgirl" coffeehouse. Featuring the vocal harmonies of VoiceMale, and highlighting the amazing talent of selected "Shopgirl" crew members, the coffeehouse proved a great way to not only plug the upcoming play, but also provide an evening of top grade entertainment."We are here tonight in celebration of 'Shopgirl: The Show,'" Max Ferguson'03 announced on stage, holding a guitar and wearing a red baseball-themed cast T-shirt with "Shopgirl" adorning the front.

In his first public guitar playing appearance, Ferguson strummed and sang three original acoustic songs. His inviting charm, as well as his lighthearted apologies ("it sucks when you write songs that are harder than you can play") compensated for the few slight mistakes made in his 15-minute set. His voice, though a bit muffled under the hum of the guitar, was smooth and soothing. The range of talent of this producer, director, writer, actor and musician (among other unknowns) matches the range of his fabulous voice.

A clear plastic Java City cup was passed around for donations, yet failed to reach those standing and chatting in the back of the atrium. Still, by the second time around, the few dollars in the cup had built to a legitimate wad. "If you have a penny, or a dollar, or a twenty, or a trust fund . . . please donate," Ferguson said. Since the play has no admission charge, donations will go to compensating the Brandeis Ensemble Theatre, which sponsored the show.

Ferguson passed the guitar to his cast mate Drew Cohen '03, who rocked the crowd with a surprising rendition of Vanessa Carlton's "1000 miles." It took a minute to realize that a 17-year-old female pianist had originally produced the song, as Cohen's intricate fingering and powerful voice convinced the audience that the song was his. Three words: Vanessa, move over. His version would be more then a one-hit-wonder.

Cohen had a towering presence, not only because of his height, but also because of the confidence and power of his performance. The next three songs performed, all written by Cohen, had witty lyrics and highlighted the dynamics of his voice. In the second song, which seemed to have a bit of a country flare, cried, "loving you is like walking on fire."

Next, Ben Rathbun '03, also a "Shopgirl" cast member, took the stage for a solo guitar performance. His version of Radiohead's "Karma Police" introduced a powerful, angsty voice that induced nods of approval in the audience. With strings wildly flying at the head of the guitar, Rathbun proceeded to sing three more original songs. As his voice flavorfully rang, "shake your hips with me darling" in his fourth song, two audience members waved their lighters above the crowd.

After a brief break, Rathbun then introduced his band, consisting of Max Glantzman '04 on guitar, "J" Stone '05 on drums and Yari Sigal '03 on bass. He jokingly named the band "Maggie Cooks Gospel Extravaganza" after a sign hanging in the atrium, since the new band had not yet been named. It was hard to believe it was only the band's second public performance, given the dance party that sprouted in the back from an apparent following. Their first song, "Upside-down," had a very catchy, almost pop-like chorus that pleased the ear. Rathbun's vocals were once again highlighted, this time by the strong instrumental support of the band. The mini Latin-flavored teaser of the next song "Smoky Skies" got bodies stirring to the beat.

Finally, the powerful a cappella melodies of headline act VoiceMale received smiles and hoots, pulling students away from their studies in the library next door. VoiceMale opened with the upbeat "Falling Over You," which got the audience clapping along with the group on stage. The next song, "One and Only Love," was a jazzy serenade that would have been better suited under the moonlight than the bright rays of the Shapiro atrium. Cohen served not only as a human beat box, but also as a human chair for a blushing female audience member selected to be personally serenaded by the gentlemen.

Next, Ferguson, also a member of VoiceMale, demonstrated his vocal talent in a version of Robbie Williams's "Let Me Entertain You." The choreography was especially effective in this piece, with strategic twists and pose striking. Facial expressions screamed personality throughout.

Cohen then sang a beautiful version of "Walking in Memphis," which combined the satisfaction of recognition with an a cappella flavor. Once again Cohen amazed the audience with his faultless vocals and tremendous presence in one of the highlights of the evening. If Cohen can act as well as he can sing, "Shopgirl" is a show destined for success.

VoiceMale ended the evening with the premiere of "I Wish" by Stevie Wonder, which featured solo beat boxing that received loud cheers and applause from the audience. It amused as well as served as stimulation for the head bobbing, shoulder twitching impulse inherently in us all.

Generally, coffeehouse events are hosted at Cholmondeley's, but due to some oversights by the "Shopgirl" crew, Shapiro was used as an alternative. Ferguson expressed some disappointment, acknowledging that the night lacked the structure of a Chum's coffeehouse. With rows of chairs lined up in front of a brightly lit stage, it was lacking in the distinct, dark, crowded essence that is Chum's.

Yet, the larger space accommodated the approximately 60 people who attended and created a fresh and inviting atmosphere for the show. Students don't just pass by at Chum's. They go there with purpose. Students passing by in Shapiro couldn't resist stopping to listen to the charismatic VoiceMale, jamming out to the unnamed band or swaying to the heartfelt song and strum of solo performances. The "Shopgirl" crew seems armed with talent to entertain.

"Shopgirl" is a romantic comedy, originally a novel by Steve Martin. It was adapted Ferguson, a theatre major, for his senior thesis project. "Shopgirl" is showing this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m in the Carl J. Shapiro Theater.