The Daily Tar Heel
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893.
Thursday, March 28, 2024 Newsletters Latest print issue

We keep you informed.

Help us keep going. Donate Today.
The Daily Tar Heel

UNC’s Pauper Players to perform last show, ‘Broadway Melodies,’ in Union Cabaret

“Broadway Melodies 2011” will mark the end of an era.

Pauper Players, who have performed in the Union Cabaret since the closure of the Historic Playmakers Theatre in 2006, will say goodbye to the unconventional space at the end of the production.

The upcoming annual “Broadway Melodies” show, which will be the last in the Cabaret, will feature a trio of well-known sets: Mean Girls, Glee and the films of Quentin Tarantino.

“‘Broadway Melodies’ is satirical,” said senior Olivia Myrick, who co-wrote and co-directed “Mean Girls: The Musical.”

“Basically, we create things to be a mockery of what already exists.”

Each show was chosen because of its influence on culture — and the writer’s ability to put it to music.

“(Glee) already uses songs and makes them fit what’s going on in each episode, and that’s what we do,” said Nick Culp, UNC alum and director of “Glee: the Musical.”

“We take songs and make them fit into a plot.”

Though Pauper has struggled with the constraints of the cabaret in the past, its members said they will miss it.

“We have grown really attached to the place, it’s very much our home,” said senior Elissa Rumer, the producer of “Broadway Melodies.”

Aside from being a place to call home, the Union has provided Pauper with support.

“We have loved working with the Union staff and having our special spot,” Myrick said.

Many members are embracing the proposed Union renovations, which would provide them with a more functional performance venue.

“We deserve a space where we can put on better shows,” Culp said.

The proposed cabaret renovations will provide a stage, dressing room and better flooring — all of which the current space sorely lacks.

“The people before us have paid their fees to allow us to have the spaces that we do have and we would be more than willing to put forth the money for something that is going to benefit future generations,” Myrick said.

Alex Koceja, writer and director of “A Very Tarantino Musical” — which explores the films of Tarantino in a more humorous, musical way — said that “Broadway Melodies” is a great way to go out.

“You are going to leave with a song in your heart just feeling good, and I think that’s what this place, and Pauper, is all about,” he said.

Contact the Arts Editor at arts@dailytarheel.com.

To get the day's news and headlines in your inbox each morning, sign up for our email newsletters.