'Weebles' is off the beaten track

The name of Off the Beat's new show is not the only thing that will set it apart from the group's past productions. Weebles Wobble But They Don't Falsetto's repertoire includes more new songs than previous Off the Beat shows, and the group is aiming for a more "musically perfect show," according to College senior Julie Pulerwitz, the group's performance coordinator. Most founding members graduated last year, so the show also features a much-changed cast. Off the Beat has always prided itself on being one of the few co-ed a capella groups on campus that does progressive music that most other groups wouldn't think of doing. "We do things in a capella that were never meant to be a capella," said Pulerwitz. "We're improvisational." All of the show's arrangements were done by members of the group, and they include songs by contemporary performers Duran Duran, Sting and Peter Gabriel. Group members said they hope that contemporary songs will allow the audience to relate to the music. "Everyone is really enthusiastic about the show," said Lilie Chang, a College freshman who joined the group this semester. "The arrangements are really interesting . . . we do interesting syllables." "When an audience member pays $5 for the show, we really want to see that person having fun," said College senior Mark Platt, the group's president. This is Off the Beat's fifth year of existence, and the members are trying to give the group a new image while still keeping with the old. "For people who haven't come before, the key point is that they'll enjoy themselves," said Pulerwitz. "We like to get out there and sing . . . to really connect with people." Pulerwitz also said that every member is an integral part of the group and that everyone has a say in the show. He noted that this will be apparent in the diverse and rather eclectic kinds of music and humor that the show will have. Off the Beat has invited two guest groups to the one hour and a half show. Friday night, the co-ed Yale S.O.B.'s will join the show and Saturday night the Virginia Belles will participate. The group put an album out last year, entitled Rhythm Method. The tape will be sold on Locust Walk and at the door for $7. Weebles Wobble But They Don't Falsetto, will run Friday and Saturday nights at 8:30 p.m. in the Rainey Auditorium at the University Museum. Tickets cost $5 and will be on sale on Locust Walk and at the door.

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