Theater group to paint U. red

If Arts House Theater Company's production of Painting it Red seems like a rock concert, that's because it is one -- or a concert play at least. A concert play differs from a musical in that the show's singing is a believeable part of the plot because the central character is actually a member of a band. And the group featured in Painting it Red is an actual band comprised of University students. The cast consists of student band Cry Havoc and four members of Arts House Theater Company. "We were lucky to get Cry Havoc to play the show because they've truly improved the songs and worked very effectively in setting the tone of the whole show." said College senior Jay Levin, the show's musical director. "We got to change the music from its original form to make it more modern," said Wharton junior Archie Stoltz. "We have a really great time on stage. It's just like playing a concert . . because it is a concert." Engineering junior and band member Seth Yudof agrees: "It's an unique opportunity for us as musicians because we can be a part of a theater production while playing our own style of music." The cast and crew of Painting it Red said they consider the play's uniqueness to be one of its most exciting characteristics. "The format of the show is completely different from any other show presented at Penn and will therefore appeal to a wide variety of people." said College junior Richard Leit, the show's producer. College senior Carolyn Kelson, who directed this concert play written by Steven Dietz, called the show "a charismatic, fast-paced, tight show with a rock-and-roll twist." The central character of this romantic comedy, played by College senior Jill Abramovitz, is a waitress named Liz who also sings in a rock band. Throughout the performance Liz emphasizes the novelty of a concert play by alternating singing with her band and interacting with the four other characters, Roy, William, Eric and Danni. After a failed relationship, Liz learns that she can be happy on her own and does not need a man to validate herself. An additional challenge, added Engineering senior Rafe Pery, "is that we're playing different roles every night." Painting it Red will run February 11, 12 and 13 and February 18, 19 and 20 in the Rathskellar Lounge of High Rise East. The performances begin at 8 p.m. and tickets are being sold on Locust Walk. Stage manager and College junior Michael Breslow called the show, "the quintessential play for Valentine's Day weekend . . . and the following weekend."