'Wisecracking' Bloomers' new show to open

Bloomers destroys the myth of the fountain of youth in their fall show Cheese and Wisecrackers, when they sing the woes of Madonna at age 80 -- "Wearing polyester for the first time." The new show consists of sketches from past years' performances as well as original musical numbers and pieces, according to Bloomers member Deb Brown. "It's a review of our best hits as well as some great new things," the show's assistant director Alison Greenspan said. "We have a tap number that's a parody of the musical 42nd Street -- it's about [Philadelphia's] own 42nd Street." Show Director Lesley Wolff said she felt the show had acheived a balance between various types of humor. "We tried to pick the best pieces we could come up with," College senior Wolff said. "We tried to mix Penn humor with more universal humor." A new feature of this year's Bloomers fall show is a combined number with University a cappella singing group Off the Beat and another sketch with performing troupe Milk and Cookies from Mount Holyoke College. It is also the first time Bloomers has had a full four-piece band for a fall show, according to Bloomers musical director Debra Fromer. "The performers work really well with the band," College junior Fromer said. "We try our best to compliment each other." The Bloomers cast consists of 10 performers, with an even split between new and old cast members, College senior Brown said. Brown added that most members of Bloomers are sophomores and juniors, with only one freshman and two seniors appearing in the show. College junior Greenspan said she thought that the mix of old and new Bloomers in the show provided a unique opportunity for the new performers. "First-time Bloomers have the chance to get their feet wet during the fall show," Greenspan said. All of the Bloomers cast members said earlier this week they are very enthusiastic about the show. "I think the show is relatively funny, actually it's hilarious," College sophomore Manali Ayachit said. Wolff also said she was very excited about the cast. "It's an amazing cast," she said. "I can't wait to see all our work come to fruition. We get to do a lot of original skits, its both a learning and performing experience and it's fun." Many performers emphasized what they said was a feeling of warmth and family they received by being part of the cast. "I think [the Bloomers cast] is a very close-knit community," Ayachit said. "From the first rehearsal they really welcome you in. I think I know everyone and the group's not too large so you don't feel lost." Bloomers' will perform two shows tonight, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. in Dunlop Auditorium. Tickets to the performances are available on Locust Walk or can be purchased at the door for $5.