'Life is a Cabaret'

For anyone seeking a touch of culture or a touch of fun this weekend, the Princeton University Players' newest production — titled "It Had To Be You" — promises to be entertaining, engaging and worth the walk to the Matthews Acting Studio at 185 Nassau.

The show is geared toward all types of audience members — those who are familiar with musical theater, those who are not and even those who usually associate musical theater with the less profound aspects of life.

Performed in the style of a musical cabaret, "It Had To Be You" contains musical numbers from a variety of shows, ranging from traditional productions, such as "Porgy and Bess," to more modern musicals. The performing backgrounds of the nine cast members — who were chosen from a pool of 45 hopefuls — are also varied. Some are classically trained musicians. Others are more experienced in theater.

Director Stefania Vanin '01 chose to direct "It Had To Be You" because she felt the show was something that performers could benefit from, rather than being purely for the audience's benefit. The theme of "It Had To Be You" centers on the evolution of the performer, and Vanin hopes that through their work on the show, the actors will develop a better sense of why they are involved in the performing arts.

To portray this evolution, the show is divided into three parts. Part one deals with an actor's awakening to the impulse of performing — or, in Vanin's words, "those first moments when a performer is bitten by the bug."

Part two is an experi-mental stage of evolution for the actor, in which new possibilities are considered. The actors experiment with different styles and techniques of performing.

Part three portrays the final stage of the growth process in which the actor's individuality "fuels or is mirrored by his or her performance," Vanin said.

According to cast member Vanessa Rodriguez '03, Vanin was successful in bringing out the individuality of each performer. Rodriguez chose to audition for the cabaret because of its flexibility — it allows a wide variety of singers to come together and perform in their best element, rather than having to deal with typecasting or the theatrical elements of a musical. "It gives everyone a moment in the spotlight," she said. Rather than having to suit herself to a particular role, Rodriguez was given musical numbers specifically chosen for her by Vanin and Giselle Woo '01, the music director.

Amanda Czerniawski '03, another cast member, pointed out that each actor's personality shines through in the show. Woo added that each cast member has a different background in music and varying forms of expertise. This mixture contributes to the musical life of the show.

Woo said she enjoyed working on the production because the actors in "It Had To Be You" were already trained and ready to delve into the deeper aspects of music — such as what the dynamics of a song actually mean — rather than spending a lot of rehearsal time learning their roles.

The talent in "It Had To Be You" will not disappoint — all of the performers have had previous singing experience. Performing a musical number a cappella during rehearsal is nothing new to them. It is clear that they all love singing and taking the spotlight.

According to Woo, "It Had To Be You" will give those who have attended many Princeton shows a new perspective on musical theater. Novice theatergoers will enjoy the sampling of talent that can be found among University students.

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Woo said she is aware of the disdain in which some members of the classical music community hold musical theater, but she urged them to give this show a chance. Originally a classical pianist, Woo refers to selections in the cabaret by George Gershwin and Steven Sondheim as "musically intelligent" and worthy of discussion.

"It Had To Be You" promises entertainment, impressive talent, a wide spectrum of musical numbers and a cast of dedicated performers — the ingredients for a thoroughly enjoyable weekend outing.

The Princeton University Players present "It Had To Be You," a Musical Cabaret. Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. U-CALL PLAYERS for reservations.