FLING SPREAD: Performing arts groups set sights on Fling stage

As Spring Fling approaches, members of the University's performing arts community are gearing themselves up for what promises to be an exhilerating and daunting experience. Fling provides these groups with an opportunity to perform before a large student audience, many of whom have never seen some of the groups before. "It is a hard audience to play to, but it is great publicity," said College senior Lauren Noveck of the female comedy troupe Bloomers. Pennchants, a spinoff group from the Glee Club, will be making their debut appearance at Fling this year, and according to College senior Rob Biron, the prospect is as frightening as it is exciting. "There always are butterflies, but if you try and make them fly in formation, everything works out fine," Biron said. But other performing groups said that they had few worries about their appearances this weekend. "It's one of the few performances that you don't worry how well you do," said Engineering senior Bill Michalski of Chord On Blues, who perform each year at Fling. "You just go up and have a good time." The huge unruly crowd and the usually inclement weather are problems that all the groups must face. "It is fun because you can be really bawdy," said College junior Carrie Kitchen, director of Bloomers. "Everyone is pretty drunk, and they don't have long attention spans." "It's not the most conducive place for performing," said College senior Stuart Gibbs of the improv comedy team Without A Net. "There are a lot of very inebriated people out there." But Spring Fling has a lot of sentimental relevance for some groups. "Fling is basically our last performance of the year, so it's always a big thing for the seniors leaving the group," explained College senior Mark Platt, president of Off The Beat. As is customary, Mask and Wig will perform last at Fling with the traditional rendition of "The Red and the Blue." "It's definitely one of the most exciting experiences you could have," said College senior Chris Heisen, Chairman of the Mask and Wig Club. "To see 2000 people singing the Alma Mater is really an incredible sight." And the members of Pennsylvania 6-5000 promise their performance will also appeal to the Fling crowd. "It's kind of hedonist, so we'll definitely be pushing the bounds of good taste," said College senior Billy Fenrich. "It's the craziest show of the year. Fling is what it's all about."

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.