CENTER STAGE: Bloomers

A Mid-Semester Night's ComedyA Mid-Semester Night's ComedyDirector - Carrie MacVean Beneath the humorous glaze, there was a noticeable touch of sour criticism. The audience not only had a good laugh, but was provoked to contemplate what lies behind The Book Store's outrageous revenues or Generation XX's climb to power. The script and lyrics were entirely written by the members of the group -- which takes pride in this 17-year-old tradition. The show emphasized off-campus life sketches and slapstick comedy. The script's satire touched on the lures of capitalism -- and their advertising and market ploys -- which the script argues are poisoning everyday life. What held the production together was the cast's determination to take comical jabs at everything from student life to the Philadelphia community. One sketch that played off the game "charades," provoked unending bursts of laughing from the audience, as did the sketch about "freshwomen's" complicated social life arrangements. These sketches should be applauded for their originality and good taste -- contrasting the cheap humor of the sketch about a scandalous television show. Still, the audience had trouble hearing the singers at times, and until the end of the show, the choreography was less than stellar. But the finale proved the Bloomers' dancing talents as they performed an outstanding tap dance number. The live band made its own contribution, maintaining a high level of energy throughout the show. In weighing the "musts" and "dusts" of the show, it must be noted that the actresses invested a great deal of enthusiasm, energy and creativity into the show, which was directed by College senior Carrie MacVean. In all, Bloomers' show was entertaining and fun, and the audience seemed to enjoy themselves immensely. --Raluca Georgescu