Fort Hays State University - Reveille Yearbook (Hays, KS)

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Two Classic Plays Brought a Touch of Merry Old England T o the Local Stage A classic of the musical theater, “My Fair Lady” was an elaborate, expensive and entertain- ing production presented by the theater department on October 8, 9, 15, 16 and 17. “It’s one of the best musicals because it is exciting and offers so many different qualities,” Steve Larson, set designer, said. Although most people have seen the movie or stage production of “My Fair Lady,” the campus shows were not reproductions of the original production. The character of Henry Higgins was analyzed and developed through experimentation by Philip Martin. “Rex Harrison created the role and a lot of people think that is all you can do with it,” Martin said. While the 22 actors added their personal touch to their characters’ creation, Shawn Stewart, asst, costume designer, lent her personal craftsmanship to the construction of the more than 75 ornate costumes. Time and space restrictions hampered the set construction crew as they labored to build the six sets. Classes scheduled in the theater limited the crew to only three hours of work per day. Throughout the cast’s prepara- tion for the musical, the dedication was usually intense, director Steve Shapiro said. “The energy and discipline of the actors has been excellent,’’ he said. T nterwoven with Kings, popes and matters of state, as well as marriages, miscarriages and childhood reveries, “Meg was presented by the theater depart- ment on November 18-21 in Felten-Start Theater. Based on the life of Margaret More Roper, the three-act drama told the story of Sir Thomas More as seen through the eyes of his daughter (Meg) and family. Nonetheless, “Meg was a play about history, not a history play, Brenda Meder, director said. “Some of the facts people have read about More may not fit with what they see in the play. Never- theless, everyone is portrayed cor- rectly, Meder said. A very aggressive woman, Meg was highly educated and conse- quently isolated from her own sex. “Her developed intellect was both a gift and a curse, Meder said. Recounting the details of her father ' death. Meg (Stephanie Casper) closes the play with a short monologue. While discussing his daughter ' s welfare with Henry Higgins (Philip Martin). Alfred P. Doolittle (Jerry Casper) hopes for a generous donation. It ' s one of the best musicals because it is so exciting and offers so many different qualities , — Steve Larson set designer MY FAIR LAPY MEG Campus Life