Semi-naked men swing their hairless arms to 1990s boy-band choreography as a monkey runs after a blond orphan in a squeaky wheelchair: such is the action unfolding on Skule’s stage this year.
As in recent years, Skule Night-the annual U of T engineers’ musical comedy-is upholding its tradition of delightful perversity and musical mockery. And what a tradition to uphold, as Skule has been put on by engineering students for more than 80 years. Adam Trumpuor, an ex-engineering society archivist, tells me that Skule began in the early 1920s as a variety show. What was probably engineering students dancing with flappers to Broadway tunes in the 1920s has now evolved into a lengthy, cacophonous parade of musical parodies and skits. This year’s production of Skule Night, directed by Jon Hoss, also boasts what Trumpour calls “an eclectic mix” of students chosen purely for their writing and acting talents, rather than for any ties to the engineering program.
Thematically, Skule itself has branched out of its comedic mockery of “the life of the engineering student,” as the show’s true moments of comedic brilliance involve parodies of the American media, a gay pride parade, and a Lufthansa flight to Europe. The show’s comedic stars are a crippled orphan who sells pencils in the hopes of earning enough to purchase oil for his squeaky wheelchair, and a passive-aggressive dictator whose nationalistic speeches (delivered in a “Jean Chretien-meets-Hitler” accent) are full of priceless witticisms and sexual perversities.
The chaotic entertainment is completed by an elaborate set, which boasts an impressive plywood airplane, a cardboard spaceship with fluorescent lights, and close-to-life-sized cows. Master carpenters Duncan Rowe and Nathan Sohnarr worked with what Rowe calls “bare-bones instructions” to produce a set of entertaining caricatures of what are, in actuality, some of life’s most dull moments. The set is visually complemented by colourful and discordant costumes: a Lufthansa flight attendant parades around the cabin in a Napoleon-esque wig and knee-high socks; a set of dancers in neon leotards pay a provocative tribute to an aerobics guru.
It is ironic, then, that Skule’s three main characters-rather uninspiring stereotypes of engineering students delivering slapstick lines-are the lone disappointing elements of an otherwise engaging musical comedy.
Currently in its 84th year, this year’s production is dubbed A Lot Can Happen On a School Night-apparently those engineers aren’t quite as boring and studious as they are made out to be.
Skule Night runs March 16 to 19 at Hart House Theatre. Tickets for Friday and Saturday evening’s performances are already sold out, but are still available for Thursday evening and Saturday matinee shows. For tickets, call (416) 978-8849.
