Student talents collaborate in one-act plays

Bringing together student talent in all areas of theater production, from writing to directing to acting, the New Theater Project will present a series of one-act plays this week. The production, which is a collaboration by Intuitons, Penn Players and Quadramics student theater groups, includes two original plays, a magic act, and an adaptation of a classic radio show. Chameleon, one of the plays to be performed, was written by College senior David Yudis. Chameleon opens with a view of a man contemplating suicide. Throughout the play, the audience is given glimpses into this man's life and begins to understand what caused his despondency. Yudis said he was looking forward to seeing his ideas take shape on stage. "I'm excited because it's my ideas," Yudis said. "I hope that people will be able to relate [to scenes in] the play." Fall in the Mountains is also an original performance, written by Veterinary School cardiologist Andy Beardow. Fall deals with a the attempts of a young, rebellious, working-class man, played by College sophomore Sumeet Goel, and a young upper-class woman, played by College freshman Andrea Kemp, to find their niches in life. Fall is directed by College of General Studies sophomore Jonathan Morein. The Rhythm of Magic, a magic show set to music, was created and is performed by College sophomores Doug Leferovich and Chris Stillwell. The two have performed at a Homecoming show at Hutchinson Gymnasium and with Counterparts and Pennchants. Before Television is based on a Burns and Allen radio show originally entitled "Gracie Buys Everything" and was adapted by College junior Larry Wagner. College senior Stephanie Brown stars in Grace Allen's role, with College junior Gideon Evans reprising the role of George Burns. Wagner said he hopes to broadcast performances of Before Television on WXPN radio. The Colored Museum, written by George Wolfe is a collection of vignettes, related in that each attempts to expose and destroy stereotypes of black people. Each vignette is likened to a museum piece. The Colored Museum stars Stephanie McNeal, College seniors Valerie Sinady and Schatar White, and Wharton sophomores Anastasia King, Darion D'Anjou, and Bill Roberts. Museumis directed by Brown. On Thursday at 8 p.m., Fall in the Mountains, The Rhythm of Magic, and Chameleon will be performed. On Friday at 8 p.m., Before Television and The Colored Museum will be performed. Saturday's 2 p.m. matinee will follow Friday night's schedule. Saturday's 7 p.m. performance will follow Thursday night's schedule. All performances will be in the Annenberg School Theatre, and tickets are on sale on Locust Walk.