Dakota State University - Trojan Yearbook (Madison, SD)

Page 112 text:

A Thousand Clowns Opens Drama eason A cast of six opened General Beadle's drama sea- son with Herb Gardner's A Thousand Clowns, October 6-8, 1966. The play was first presented by the drama department during the summer session, but because of its popular reception, the comedy was repeated for the benefit of new students and area residents who missed the earlier run. Set in New York City, A Thousand Clowns is the story of a bachelor uncle, Murray Burns, who has been left to rear his precocious 12-year-old nephew, Nicky Burns. The part of Murray was played by James L. Johnson, Chairman of the Gen- eral Beadle Speech and Drama Department. Mur- ray's nephew, Nick, was played by Tom Kessler, a freshman student at Madison Central. The part of Albert Amundson was portrayed by Carl Trooien. This same role was played by Alan Christensen in the summer production. Ardis Johnson played the part of Sandra Markowitz and Dave Edwards, man- ager of the Trojan Center, portrayed the part of Leo Herman-better known as Chuckles the Chip- munk. The part of Arnies Burns, Murray's broth- er, was played by B. Paul Arnold, instructor in Speech and Drama at General Beadle. Mr. Johnson directed the production, with the technical work being directed by Mr. B. Paul Arnold. 108 Mr. Johnson points out an important part of the script while the rest of the cast looks on. From left to right are Janet Prairie Schultz, student director: Tom Kessler, Mr. Arnold, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Edwards, Ardis Johnson, and Alan Christensen. Albert Amundson and Sandra Markowitz discuss what procedures should be used in working with the strange case. At left: Mr. Johnson uses his dramatic ability in interpreting a line for a couple members of the cast.

Page 111 text:

BELOW: Receiving trophies and special recognition were: iback rowl Dennis Bossman, senior award, Allan Christensen, outstanding forensics award, Dave Thoreson, best one-act performance, Pat McAllister, best male technician, Joel Barkmeier, best actor, and Ray Peterson, best supporting actor. ifront rowl Senator Karl E. Mundt, Ruth Wilson, outstanding thespian, Mary Kinsley, best female tech- nician, Marci Scott, best actress, and Dean Davidson, special recognition for his BRIGADOON role. inot shownl Donna Frick, best supporting actress, Dave Egan, best student director, and Nancy Hexon, senior award. AT RIGHT: A total of ten Oscars were awarded at the annual Speech and Drama Banquet. o 107 GB's Outstanding Thespian l965-66 ffufff flflifson Selected as being General Beadle's Outstanding Thespian for l965- 66 was Ruth Wilson, an English major and speech and drama minor from Dell Rapids, South Dakota. At the time of the presentation, Ruth had appeared in several GBSC productions including SOUTH PACIFIC, ALL MY SONS, TWELVE ANGRY JURORS, THE BALD SOPRANO and BRIGADOON, She had also directed Tennessee Williams' one-act, PORTRAIT OF A MADONNA. This past year, in addition to her outstanding work on the forensic team and debate squad, Ruth directed lonesco's THE LESSON. She portrayed Amanda Wingfield in Tennessee Williams' THE GLASS MENAGERIE and was a member of the GUYS AND DOLLS cast. ln addition to her con- tributions to the department of speech and drama, Ruth is a member of KSl, band, chorus, and Union Board. Upon graduation, Ruth plans to attend graduate school to receive an M.A. in theatre arts.

Page 113 text:

N icky 3 Chuckles While Nicky holds a bowl of Chuckles Potato Chips, Chuckles the Chipmunk performs some of his popular television specialties. tells Miss Markowitz of his vast interest in literature. Mu, ln Arnie's office, Murray talks to Chuc kles over M the speaker-box and tells him where to get off! Nick listens intently as uncle Murray shores his A philosophy.