Pen, Paint and Pretzels' (3Ps) vision of a materialistic Egyptian queen probably wasn't what Giuseppe Verdi had in mind when he wrote Amneris' role in the opera "Aida" (1871), but Elton John, co-writer of "Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida" (1998), would likely applaud the group's more fabulous portrayal of the spoiled royal. A comical cover of Amneris' "My Strongest Suit" is just one highlight from 3Ps' "Over the Rainbow," a gender-bending cabaret, which opens at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at the Balch Arena Theater.
"Over the Rainbow" is an amalgamation of 15 Broadway acts with a twist. In each scene, a role typically played by a man is instead assumed by a woman, and vice versa. Although this role reversal often begets hilarity, the play itself is devoted to the serious purpose of raising AIDS awareness.
Though tickets are free, 3Ps is hosting a semi-formal fundraising reception prior to the show. All proceeds will go to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, an organization that uses theater to financially support other institutions involved in the HIV/AIDS cause.
Although this is only 3Ps' second year performing "Over the Rainbow," Executive Producer and junior Samantha Kindler hopes to establish the play as an annual tradition. She explained that this year's theme is defying adversity, saying, "Last year we raised money — over 3,000 dollars — and it was great, but what we're trying to do this year is raise awareness."
Director Tali Cornblath and musical director Jared Trudeau (both juniors), as well as senior choreographer Becky Baumwoll, also deserve credit for the performance's success. With the assistance of several other organizations, including Torn Ticket II, Health Services, the Leonard Carmichael Society and the Department of Drama and Dance, the talented foursome managed to pull the cabaret together in approximately three weeks.
The brief rehearsal period doesn't detract from the quality of the performance or the actors' experiences. Junior John Sasenick, one of the fantastically flamboyant dancers in "My Strongest Suit," said that the play is "something really cool that I'm very glad we've started." "And," freshman dancer Nadav Hirsh said, "it's fun."
The night kicks off at 7:15 p.m. with a Broadway-themed auction and raffle prior to the show. Tufts dance troupes HYPE! and Sarabande will also be performing. Tickets are available at the Balch Arena Theater Box Office.
