Glee Club shows good singing, dancing

Everyone knows the story of Christopher Columbus. But in the Glee Club's version, some unknown points arise. For example, how many people know that Hans and Franz, Cassanova and the Barber of Seville were on Columbus' ship? Obi Wan Kenobi even makes a cameo appearence. The Glee Club's production, Cross Chris, Cross is not a musical, but a revue. The Glee Club's productions always are. A typical musical does not have a diversity of styles of music such as spirituals, sea chanties, Broadway and classical. The Glee Club is an ensemble made up of some very talented men. Their production is designed to show the individual talents within the group as well as their ability to perform as an ensemble, for which the Glee Club is known and does very well. The group songs were for the most part excellently performed, but were laced at times with echoes of the a cappella influence at the University. For example, "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go," while it definitely showed off the voice and energy of Wharton senior Myong Leigh, had very little to do with the show. Chord On Blues fans will recognize "Marry a Woman Uglier Than You" performed by College sophomore and Chords member Tom McManus. "Old Mother Hubbard" sung in the manner of Handel was hysterical, but this number had nothing whatsoever to do with the show. A Chinese folk song, arranged by Engineering sophomore Raymond Sheen and sung in Chinese and Turkish by Sheen and Engineering freshman Ferit Albukrek added an interesting touch to the show. While beautiful and well performed, its meaning and relevance to the show were lost because of the foreign languages. This also occured in a song by Carl Orff. Those who understood Latin might have been the only ones who recognized it as a fairly humorous drinking song. On the other hand, some songs fit in remarkably well. "Wandrin' Star," for example, was sensibly integrated and excellently performed, as were "Men," "A Capital Ship," and the spiritual "My Lord What a Morning." These songs showcased the group's versatility. Jeff Coon, a College senior, played Christopher Columbus. While he did a fabulous job in "Muddy Water," he did not live up to expectations in "The Music of the Night." But this could be attributed to opening night jitters, for he did return to form in the song that followed, "The Impossible Dream." The Glee Club was well directed by Bruce Montgomery and accompanied by a pit orchestra led by pianist Dan Coelho, a College freshman who was even so bold as to sing with the group on stage for one number -- and did a good job of it, too. Cross Chris, Cross is an enjoyable show, full of humor, energy, dancing and really good singing, which is what Glee Club does best. The show continues tonight and tomorrow night at 8 p.m. in the Zellerbach Theatre in Annenberg Center. Tickets are $6 and can be bought on Locust Walk or at the Anneberg Box Office.

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