Students who attend The Poet and the Rent this weekend will definitely be able to say it is like nothing they've ever seen before. Put on by Stimulus Children's Theater, the show will be open to both children of the West Philadelphia community and University students. But, the age difference in the audiences does not affect the play's appeal. In fact, the show uses comedy, music and audience participation to appeal to both children and adults. And, its cheerful characters make the play fun to watch. College sophomore Eric Conner and the show's director, said that the play would definitely appeal to viewers on many different levels. He compared the play to a cartoon. "If you watch a lot of the cartoons like Animaniacs or The Simpsons, you find a lot of adult oriented references," Conner said. "Yet, what [the creators] do is that they make the characters big enough and colorful enough to appeal to kids." Similarly, Conner said, the play includes a lot of jokes that only adults can understand. But its characters are lively enough to appeal to all. "The children will appreciate it because it's goofy," said College sophomore Andrew Segall, who plays the poet. "And, we make them feel like they are a part of the show." The show, which depicts the hilarious plight of a poet who has no money to pay his rent, also teaches children and adults valuable lessons. It encourages children to "reach for the stars and tells them to keep trying at whatever they do. "What I get from it is -- do what you love," Segall said. Actors in the play praised the show, not only because it is different, but because it is creative as well. And, they encouraged University students to attend this weekend. "People should come because it's very funny," said College sophomore Cari Emery. "It won't be what they're expecting. It's not a normal kids show." Although actors said the new show is different from last semester's Rumplestiltskin, it will remind University students of their childhoods. "I enjoyed the Stimulus shows even before I was a part of them," said College junior Ben Pollock. "You can just go, sit back and enjoy the show. You can become a kid again as you watch it." The show will be playing at the Annenberg Center on Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and on Sunday at 2 p.m.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.
