The essence of a big Broadway performance made its way to The Little Theatre on the Square Sunday afternoon when Marisha Wallace stepped on the stage.

Wallace, a Broadway performer, returned to the familiar stage in Sullivan, Ill., to perform a concert of both Broadway and pop classics for new and familiar faces.

Broadway favorites such as “Don’t Rain on My Parade” from “Funny Girl” and “Maybe This Time” from “Cabaret” were performed by Wallace and enjoyed by the crowded theatre of roughly 80 people.

The audience also sang and danced along to popular hits such as “Proud Mary” by Tina and Ike Turner and “Last Dance” by Donna Summer.

Wallace kept the crowd on their toes throughout her one-woman show by incorporating medleys of different songs between parts of other songs.

Crowd participation stole the spotlight throughout the show as Wallace took trips up and down the aisles of the theatre to dance with audience members.

A standout moment in the hour-long production was when Wallace brought up audience members to represent “The Supremes” as they performed “Stop in the Name of Love.”

The audience appreciated the extra humor the additional singers onstage provided, but the extra laughs did not stop there.

Romance was in the air as the women who portrayed “The Supremes” promptly brought their husbands up onstage to reenact a performance of “My Girl” by “The Temptations.”

The interaction with Wallace and possible embarrassment from those brought onstage sent the crowd into a wave of amusement. These performances in particular were sure to be a crowd-favorite.

The audience seemed to be blown away by Wallace’s impeccable range and soaring vocals.

Not only could Wallace sing, but she also kept the crowd entertained through storytelling and cracking jokes from time to time.

Nothing about the act seemed forced and you could grasp the sense that Wallace was truly excited to be back at the theater where she started her acting career.

If you could not tell from her attitude on stage as the curtain rose, you knew by the end of the show that Wallace is a force to be reckoned with.

Whether you happen to see Wallace on Broadway, performing on a cruise ship, on film or back at The Little Theatre, do not miss the chance to see her perform. Wallace is an up-and-coming artist that all should keep their eyes on.

The Little Theatre on the Square will host many popular musicals during its summer 2015 season, including “Mary Poppins,” “Hairspray” and “The Wizard of Oz.”

Residents of Charleston and the surrounding areas should take advantage of what the Little Theatre has to offer.

Samantha Middendorf can be reached at 581-2812 or semiddendorf@eiu.edu.