Brandeis’ 25-year-old tradition, the 24 Hour Musical, is a staple in the life of any Brandeis student. This fun and comedic production, where undergraduates have 24 hours to learn and perform lines and songs from classic musicals, is completely student-run and performed. The Undergraduate Theater Collective, the largest student-led organization on campus, is in charge of making sets, costumes and auditioning actors and actresses alike. The 2025 performance was no exception with their rendition of the musical Cinderella, written by Rodgers and Hammerstein and directed by Connor Papantony ‘26 and Vivi Cao ‘26. The show starred Natalie Conklin ‘29 and Luke Benanav ‘29 as Cinderella and Topher. Just like every Cinderella story, this musical was comedic, witty and had its happily ever after. Other notable performances were Sasha Lintovska ‘29 as Madame, Alex Raskin ‘29 as Marie and Kieran van Hooser ‘29 as Jean Michele. 

What many find a highlight of the 24 Hour Musical is the audience participation and encouragement of actors and characters. Cinderella had the audience cheering her on as she went on her journey through the kingdom to find her true prince. Additionally, you could feel the love the Undergraduate Theater Collective had for one another and their work. From choreographers cheering in the front row to helping actors remember lines and even moving props, this show, at its core, has community. For many actors, it is their first time on the stage, and with its no-cut policy, the 24 Hour Musical gives everyone a home. “The show was utter chaos. It was so much fun, and working with the cast and crew was amazing. At the end of the day, everyone is so supportive of one another,” said Unique Zhang ’29. 

This support is felt from the moment you sit in your seats right up until the moment the curtains close. Cinderella, like many of the Undergraduate Theater Collective shows, was sold out, and the screening area outside the theater was packed as well. What really makes the show magical is the love and support of fellow Brandeis students who can’t wait to cheer on their classmates. You can feel this vibration of community throughout the show and the pride that these students take in their work. 

The 24 Hour Musical is one of the best Brandeis traditions, and a great kick-off to the new school year. When you consider the fact that students have 24 hours from the reveal of what they are to perform to actually performing on stage for an audience, the 24 Hour Musical is a daunting task. Consequently, the Undergraduate Theater Collective leaves many in the student body empowered — both those on stage and those in the audience — truly making this a one-of-a-kind experience. It is no wonder that students and staff look forward to this quite silly, but community-driven event every year. But, until next season, the 24 Hour Musical curtains are closed, and the last bows have been taken.