Buena Vista University - Log Yearbook (Storm Lake, IA)

Page 30 text:

Buena Vista Pliwjofis ' Jeppe of the Hill, a Danish comedy by Ludvig Holberg, was presented in November. The title role, that of Jeppe, was played by Ben Mordecai. Jeppe was a peasant who liked to drink and sleep. His wife sent him to the market, but instead he ended up drinking at the inn. The local baron and his at- tendants discovered Jeppe drunk, asleep on the street. To play a joke on him, they took him to the baron's estate, dressed him well, and when he awakened they pretended that he was the baron. He came to believe them, but again he became drunk and was dumped back onto the dung heap. When he woke up, his wife came along and beat him, after which he was carried oFf to a mock trial for impersonating the baron. The conclusion of the trial was the hanging of Jeppe. However, the rope was hung under his arms instead of around his neck, and he was saved. Upon his return to the inn and to his drink- ing, he was confronted by the town gossip who revealed the true story of his misadventures. Members of the cast were, Nille, Jeppe's wife, played by Alice Madsen, Jeppe, Ben Mordecai, Jacob Skowmager, Ron Stacy, Baron Nilus, Larry A. Noyes, Bailitf, Darrell Libke, Valet, Robert Lefkow, Eric, Jeff Kearney, Lawyers and Doctors, Jim Struck and W. Brewster Bell, the BaiIiff's Wife, Jane Mikes, and Judge, Edward Devine. A one-act play, The Transformed Bridgegroom, was pre- sented at the same time. In this play an old lady, Fru Terentia, felt that she must have a young husband. A practical ioke was played upon her to show her the folly of her ways. Eventually she learned that the young officer whom she thought she loved was actually a young woman. The members of the cast were: Pernille, Alice Madsen, Lenora, Jane Mikes, Fru Terentia, Bonnie Mefferd, Laurentia, Nancy Radda, Kirsten, Ruth Lampe, and Elsebet, Sharon Penner. Early in March, John Van Druten's Bell, Book and Candle was presented on the Buena Vista College campus. The three performances of the comedy, under the direction of Stanley IN THE TOP PICTURE, members of the casts of Jeppe of the Hill and The Transformed Bridegroom were shown relaxing behind stage. AT THE LEFT, Ben Mordecai, who aptly portrayed Jeppe of the Hill, was pictured. AT THE RIGHT, Nancy Rodda, Jane Mikes, and Alice Madsen, who played ? 4 io s......... the roles of Laurentia, Leonora, and Pernille in The Transformed Bride- groom, discussed the folly of Fru Terentia's desire for a young husband. IN THE CENTER PICTURE, the make-up crew, which played an essential part in preparation for the productions, was shown i'n action. ABOVE

Page 29 text:

ztciw0lzTw ' November thirtieth will be fondly recalled as the evening when Mike Kobluk, Joe Frazier, and John Denver, better known as the Mitchell Trio, were on hand to entertain Buena Vista College students. The Mitchell Trio was a group which stood alone on the folk music scene. They were neither ethnic nor pop folk. The trio felt that music's lyrical meaning had top priority and unless this meaning was present and clearly stated, the song was not included in their program. The trio not only sang their minds in satire, but also in pleas for peace, tolerance, and good will. They were proud of the fact that they arranged all of their own material along with the help of Milt Okun, an old friend of the trio. As all artists who constantly strive for the perfection of their work, the trio recognized their obligations as performers. The Mitchell Trio performance sparkled with Hne musician- ship, eye-catching showmanship, and meaningful folk music. These performers conveyed their ideas, thoughts, and beliefs through their music, and continued to make a permanent impression on American culture as a part of the folk music movement. The interests of the trio members were varied. Mike Kobluk, Buena Vvsfw born in Thail, B.C., Canada, attende a university in Spokane, Washington, where the Mitchell Trid originated. Although he studied electrical engineering, busindss administration, English, and mathematics, Mike's main concern was folk music. Mike, the oldest and most conservative member of the trio, was a stickler for careful rehearsing. Joe Frazier, an enthusiastic, expressive person, was born in Pennsylvania, attended Valley College, and studied voice and opera at the Julius Hart School of Music in Hartford. A dedi- cated, educated man, Joe concentrated on semantics and en- ioyed tracing folk songs to the eth ic society in which they originated. Joe said, l love folk mlJsic because it has some- thing important to say if it comments dn society. The newest and youngest member of the trio, John Den- ver, was born in New Mexico, raised in Texas, and studied architecture at Texas Technological institute. John was a solo performer before ioining the trio, and folk music was not new material for him. He prided himself on constantly absorbing additional information and searching for new musical mo- terials. For John, joining the Mitcllell Trio was one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of his life. l of at 'tM The tree lighting ceremony officially opened the Christmas season at Buena Vista College. Students gathered on the lawn in front of the administration building to hear a short talk by the Reverend Gary Gesaman and to join in the singing of traditional Christmas carols. The college band was on hand to accompany the singing, and Dan Ott, vice-president of the Stu- dent Council, was in charge of the lighting of the Christmas lights which decorated a large evergreen tree. The girls of Swope Hall enioyed the traditional Yule log burning and participated in a window decorating contest. The girls of each house cooperated to paint their lounge windows with colorful tempera paint representations which ranged from a cheery Santa to a view of Bethlehem and the three wise men. In the opinion of Mr. Jgack Hobbs, iudge of the results, the middle house of secondmoor deserved credit for the best window decorations. The various organizations had their own Christmas parties and activities, many of which involved doing something extra for others. For example, many college students caroled at the Methodist Manor and at homes in the Storm Lake area. ON THE OPPOSITE PAGE was shown Orlyn Webb, Ken Ellwanger, and Ronette Yarger. They found that the new Ballou Library provided on enioyable atmosphere for study.

Page 31 text:

W Longman and his assistant, Rosie Roberts, were well received. The play was based upon the assumption that a few mod- ern people can cast spells and perform feats of supernat- uralism. Gillian Holroyd, played by Alice Madsen, cast a spell over an Unattached publisher, partly to keep him away from a rival and partly because she was attracted to him. He fell head over heels in love with her and wanted to marry her, but since witches cannot fall in love, this led to some difficulties. Ulti- mately, Gillian broke off with the witches, preferring the hu- man love offered her by the attractive publisher, Shepherd Henderson, played by W. Brewster Bell. Alice Madsen won the coveted award for best actress in a major role for her performance as Gillian. Jim Struck, playing Nicky Holroyd, was given the award for best supporting actor because of his excellent performance. Other members of the cast were Coreen Mett and Bruce A. McCullough. ss ' P4 AR Q RIGHT, Kit Roslansky, a dedicated and hard-working member of the B.V. and Alice Madson were given Best Supporting Actor and Best Actress Players, was photographed while working on costumes. The picture AT Awards for their representations of thesb roles AT THE RIGHT Dennis THE LEFT IMMEDIATELY ABOVE showed Nicky and Gillian Holroyd in Domayer was pictured managing the lighting Van Druten's Bell, Book and Candle. The actor and actress, Jim Struck