Robert Barker/University Photography

The Melodramatics Theatre Company rehearses "bare: A Pop Opera" at Risley Theatre.

Robert Barker/University Photography

The entirely student-run theater group will perform its interpretation of "Romeo and Juliet" Nov. 1-3 and 8-10.

The Melodramatics Theatre Company (MTC), an entirely student-run Cornell theater group, is producing "bare: A Pop Opera" at Risley Theatre Nov. 1-3 and 8-10, at 8 p.m.

Written by composer and orchestrator Damon Intrabartolo and writer/actor Jon Hartmere, "bare" is a modern musical retelling of Romeo and Juliet. The show follows Jason and Peter, two closeted gay teens at a Catholic boarding school who are struggling to find their identities in a world that doesn't seem to have a place for them. The show explores questions of acceptance, identity and faith.

Director Spencer Whale '14 hopes that the universal themes of "bare" will ring true in our community, noting that "the play always prioritizes the human plight over the political" and that "we can all relate ... to the dilemmas and desires of the [characters]."

Since its debut in Los Angeles more 10 years ago, "bare" has been produced by many school and community theaters; next month it will open at an off-Broadway theater.

For eight years, MTC has produced musical theater productions for the Ithaca community. Students run every aspect of the company, from lighting design to direction.

"The MTC is a wonderful outlet for students who are interested in theater production, especially the technical aspects," said Zoë Guzy-Sprague '14, MTC's general manager. "We provide the opportunity for students to really take on big artistic responsibilities and watch them play out on stage."

The MTC works with Ithaca College students and community members as well as Cornell students, embracing its connection to those interested in theater throughout the greater Ithaca area.

The MTC is unique in its willingness to take on the "seemingly impossible," said Weili Shi '13, who noted that "bare" is the fifth MTC production on which she has worked as a lighting designer. "[We] manage to come up with innovative solutions to preserve a sense of magic, which leads to really technically impressive productions."

"We aim to use our love of theater to provide leadership opportunity that transcends leadership in just the theater world," Guzy-Sprague said.

Tickets are available at Ticket Center Ithaca through http://IthacaEvents.com or by phone at 607-273-4497.

Sarah Byrne '15 is a student intern for the Cornell Chronicle.