Bloomers addresses new issues in show

In Houston Hall, people all over are bustling about, checking microphones, screaming problems from backstage and somewhere, a director is tearing her own -- and probably someone else's -- hair out. It is just another dress rehearsal, same as any other before opening night -- with one exception. Out of all of these people, there are no men. This is what makes Bloomers . . . Bloomers, the University's only all-female comedy troupe. However this year's spring show is not their typical show. "Our humor is richer this year," College senior Carrie Kitchen, the group's director said . "We're relying a lot less on cheap laughs." Producer Catharine Michaud, also a College senior, added that it is not what people might be expecting. "It's not a show just for women. Everyone will be able to identify with it," she said. This show, entitled Come On Baby, Light My Satire, will feature skits satirizing fields ranging from the Olympics to teen talk-shows to a geriatric Madonna. It dwells on situations of real life and stereotypes at the University, in addition to timely events like the Olympics. There will also be a full cast parody of 42nd Street. In order to prepare for this, the one member who knew how to tap dance taught the rest of the cast. "It takes place on 42nd Street West Philadelphia. It's kind of West Philly on tap," College junior Deborah Brown, a performer and assistant director said. "A lot of people think that since we're a women's group, we just cover women's issues. But we cover the world," College sophomore Allison Greenspan, a member said. "We sing, we dance, we do everything." The show is an accumulation of work begun in the fall and is written and choreographed by the 11 members of Bloomers. "It's difficult, but it's very worthwhile to see your own stuff out there," Greenspan said. Come On Baby, Light My Satire opens tonight at 8 p.m. in the Houston Hall Auditorium. Performances are also at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday night. Tickets are $5 and can be bought on Locust Walk or at the door.