‘The Wizard of THUD’ Review: THUD’s Drum-Believable Spring Performance

You’ll feel it in your soul. The power from The Harvard Undergraduate Drummers’ spring performance “The Wizard of THUD” could be felt through the floors of Lowell Lecture Hall on April 5. In a compelling mix of professional grade drumming performances, skits, and edited videos, the original production was a worthwhile display of musical talent.

THUD is a student-run organization that performs for both independent and hired gigs around Cambridge and Boston on top of their culminating showcases near the end of each semester. Priding themselves on their diverse selection of music and instruments, THUD demonstrated their unique approach to percussion in full force on Saturday.

With a mix of video production, drama, and, of course, drumming, part of the show’s ability to keep their audience fully engaged came from the creativity that was woven through every act. From a xylophone to a container of popcorn kernels, the creativity and musical talent of each and every member of the group was on full display no matter the instrument.

One of the most impressive acts of the show was the group’s interpretation of the “Wicked” hit “What Is this Feeling?” consisting entirely of various tones created by banging differently sized plastic tubes called boomwhackers against their legs. In an emotionally charged showdown between Glinda (Katie M. Benkelman ’28) and The Wicked Witch of the West (Ava E. Della Pietra ’27), the students’ feet, brooms, and wooden staffs were all expertly used to create a captivating display of talent.

Following this theme of originality, “The Wizard of THUD” also featured a number of original pieces. Video clips ranging from blog entries to a “Keeping Up With Elphaba and Glinda” skit were successfully utilized to fill the time in between acts. However, a large amount of the clips were somewhat long-winded and seemingly random, and the overall show would have benefitted from tightening up some of these gaps.

One of the performances that deserves a special mention for acting on top of drumming was that of Bella F. Pignataro ’25, whose portrayal of The Scarecrow, a frat boy obsessed with the two witches, was certainly a standout. Despite this, a few hiccups in line deliveries and some stilted dialogue execution from some of the other performers meant that the acting provided a small departure from the otherwise professional-level atmosphere that was created by the musical acts. Yet, with some well-timed improvisation from THUD members and the positive audience engagement that had been cultivated from the beginning, these missteps were quickly forgiven.

Unphased by the slightly smaller crowd at the first of two showings, the performers maintained an impressive level of energy throughout. An explicit announcement prior to the show encouraging audience members to show love during the performance — whether that be hooting, hollering, or whatever interjection the heart desired — established “The Wizard of THUD” as a charmingly interactive experience. If one thing became clear about the Harvard drumming community, in part demonstrated by the presence of a number of alumni at the performance, it’s that their passion and support for their craft as well as their members runs strong.

The performers’ raw talent and clear dedication to putting on the best performance possible was demonstrated time and time again throughout the show, compensating largely for some of the less effective or professional aspects. Filled with a clear love and respect for the art form, “The Wizard of THUD” provided an enjoyable and engaging display of some of the most impressive percussive and creative talent on Harvard’s campus.

—Staff writer Sara R. Eyjolfsdottir can be reached at sara.eyjolfsdottir@thecrimson.com.