Of Thee I Sing

by Meghan Lohne

On Tuesday February 12th at 8PM in the UC Ballroom, I had the pleasure of witnessing an evening of pure entertainment. Of Thee I Sing, a George and Ira Gershwin musical is a tale of presidential election and corruption at its best.

It begins with the need for a political platform. It is decided that love is the answer. Therefore, the president shall marry the most beautiful woman in the states and it is rationalized that the best way to decide who the lucky one will is to hold a cross country beauty pageant. However, complications ensue, and the young, beautiful and socially adept Mary Turner surfaces. Mary, played by Erin Hadely is your typical Susie Homemaker. She breathes sunshine and self assurance. When Wintergreen, played by Elliot White, spots Mary, it?s over. He now understands that this is the life he has been seeking and marrying any other woman would be a foolhardy decision. However, this act is not done without severe ramifications. The wrong that is committed to the winner sends the entire country into melee. Before long, there is talk of impeachment and the president is brought to court. Mary enters just in time to make the announcement of her pregnancy and ends up having twins. The winner of the beauty pagea nt is given to the Vice President and all is forgiven.

I found this show to be cute and playfully intriguing. Many performances spoke to me and are worthy of mention. Erin Hadley and Elliott White were both interesting and a joy to watch. Their talent and panache is a quality that will not easily be forgotten. Other performances that particularly struck me were Curt Foy as the French Ambassador, Tim O'Donnell as Throttlebottom, Carolyn Glunde as Miss Benson, Adam Lendermon as Jenkins, and all of the committee members including WT McRae, Brendan Keith, Ben Gooch, and Austin Barry.

I extend my warmest congratulations towards the entire cast and Michael Hume for presenting a night of theater that was entertaining and well received.