Penn Singers show opens tonight

Student-written production put together on very tight budget It's not just a musical review. And it's not Gilbert and Sullivan. Rather, Overtures is Penn Singers' first student-written, full-length musical. The show, which incorporates the music of Cole Porter and George Gershwin, portrays the backstage trials and onstage results of an old-style Broadway production. All of the backstage numbers are Porter songs, while the "show within a show" is Gershwin. Co-author and Penn Singers president Bryan Reid, a College senior, said the new direction for the group should be exciting for its members. "We wanted to do something richer and something bigger," he said. "We're trying to outdo ourselves." Penn Singers Director Bruce Montgomery said that while the group's past attempts at creating a scripted show have failed, he is confident that Overtures will be more successful. "I knew that the people that were going into this show were different from some of the egocentric people in the past who thought they were putting on a Broadway show," he explained. One thing that hasn't changed from past fall productions is the traditional lack of funding. In order to save money for its spring Gilbert and Sullivan production, Penn Singers had what Reid described as "zero to little budget for this show." However, if enthusiasm can create a great show, then Overtures will certainly exceed even Montgomery's expectations. "Everyone is just so psyched about this show," said co-author and College and Engineering junior Gwenn Kalow. Much of the cast's energy will be channeled into the show's choreography. Co-author and Head Choreographer Ferit Albukrek, an Engineering junior, said the many dance numbers in Overtures will showcase one of the group's unsung talents. Most of the [dancing] they do is simple stuff but it looks good... I think it will dispel the popular misconception that Penn Singers can't dance," he said. Director and College junior Rosalie Will said the extensive choreography took some time to master. Will believes, though, that the hard work will pay off at showtime. "It's supposed to be light and fun and that's what it is. Everyone is having fun with it," she said. Overtures will run tonight, tomorrow and Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Annenberg School Theater. Tickets are on sale on Locust Walk and at the Annenberg ticket office for $5.