'Up With People' organization goes down

by Linsey Helser Japan, North America and Europe.

news editor Over 650 students involved in last year's Up With People production were notified of the suspension as they were finishing up tours in New York and France in mid-December. Also notified were 180 students selected to participate in next year's program. Another 262 worldwide employees were notified that their jobs would soon be eliminated.

The "common beat" of the drum will beat no longer. At of the end of 2000, the 35-year-old Up With People organization has suspended its current operations because of financial difficulties. The worldwide program gained over $28 million in revenue, although having over $31.5 million in expenses.

T-he decision to stop the performances was made on Wednesday, Dec. 6 by a unanimous vote of 42 board members from

The purpose of the organization was to provide a multi-cultural leadership program for youth around the world. In 2000, the students involved in the musical with the theme of "A Common Beat" performed in over 500 cities in 24 countries and completed over 100,000 hours of community service.

Up With People made an appearance at Cabrini on Friday, Oct. 13 performing in the Dixon Center. The students involved represented the cultures of Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas. The program was well-attended and many students and faculty were impressed by the performance. Up With People helped to promote one of Cabrini's main goals: promoting cultural awareness.

Katie Mirek, a senior, got to know a member of the group, Bernie, very well while he stayed here at Cabrini. She feels sad for the members of the organization. "I would feel heartbroken. It seemed like it was a hope for them. For my host student, it was like his family."

According to chairman of the board of Up With People, Tom Badciong, the future is not over for the organization. "In order to resume regular operations, it will require significant restructuring. We will be considering all options," Badciong said.

The sun shines brightly on Walnut Street

by Chris Vesci staff writer

Neil Simon's The Sunshine Boys, showing at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia through March 4, is a play that reunites two aging Vaudeville superstars. Set in the 1970s and later adapted into a successful motion picture, the Walnut's production, though at times weary and slow-moving, is blessed with an effective and likable cast.

The play opens in the cluttered apartment of the aging Willie

Clark, former member of Lewis and Clark, the great Vaudeville duo. Willie, slowly dipping into senility, is frequently visited by his nephew, Ben. While Willie hopes that Ben will bring acting opportunities (Ben complains that his uncle treats him like an agent and not a nephew), Ben seems much more concerned with his uncle's health. That is, until Ben has the idea of reuniting Wtllie with his former Vaudeville pal, Al Lewis, for a CBS special. \.Villieis instantly disgusted by the idea, since Al retired 11 years ago from their act without Willie's consent. Also, Al has two habits that really irk Willie. First, he pokes Willie in the chest to stress his points. And furthermore, he spits showers whenever he speaks.

However, a visit by Al convinces Willie to do the special. That is, until petty squabbles and those pet peeves cause rehearsals of the duet's famous "doctor scene" to fall apart. Soon, in the face of failing health and their own selfdestruction, the duo must find a means of reconciliation.

For the most part, Simon's play is consistently funny, though some areas seem drawn out and a few running gags are a bit overplayed. (Willie continually has trouble opening his front door. It looses any trace of humor the second time.) There is not much depth to the issues at hand and the play would probably benefit from a bit more action or antics between the aging icons. There is a hilarious scene where Willie chases Al around a table with a knife, threatening to cut off his finger so it can no longer poke him. It would be nice to see more of this sort of hysteria.

A clever ending and a great cast secure the night. As Willie and Al, Irwin Charone and Michael Marcus have great chemistry. They are believable, funny and energetic, yet they manage to maintain the tiredold-man demeanor quite well. As the busty nurse in their Vaudeville doctor skit, Anne Connors is a wel- feminist nightmares for weeks. Frank Ferrante is fine as Willie's nephew, annoying at some points, caring at others. (Ferrante also directs the play.) Finally, Joilet F. Harris is another welcome addition as Willie's feisty real nurse. (It is funny to contrast her performance with that of the Vaudevillian blonde nurse.)

These talented performers have an intricate set to romp on; it re- calls the '70s quite well. The designers must have scoured every second-hand store in the tri-state area.

For ticket information call 215-574-3550 or visit www.wstonline.org

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