Memphis State University - DeSoto Yearbook (Memphis, TN)

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Jne IllHale Arnimal As the curtain rose on the 1953-54 season of the College Theatre the stage was set for The Male Animal, a comedy by James Thurber and Elliot Nugent, which opened Nov. 3 for a three-night run. Eugene Bence did a masterful job of directing and Brad- ford White directed his technical crew in an equally fine manner. John Jones served as stage manager. Jimmy Hurt as Professor Tommy Turner did a beautiful job as a professor caught between teaching what he thinks should be taught and that which the trustees say might be taught. Georgia Stein, in the role of Ellen, his wife, was truly convincing as a sympathetic wife. The role of Joe Ferguson, the returning football hero, was well performed by Collins Kilburn. As Ed Keller, the domineering trustee, Allen Bates turned in an outstanding performance. Carlton McFarland handled nicely the role of Dean Damon, who tried to smooth out the difficulties that were brought into being by young Michael Barnes, a reporter for the colleqe newspaper. Michael was played delightfully well by Barry Saunders. Nedra Ramey, in the role of Patricia Stanley, the younger sister of Ellen Turner, was the cause of rivalry between Wally Myers, the football hero of the day, and Michael. Wally was played by Jere Joyner. tie and Nedra played their roles well. Cleota, the maid in the Turner home, was well performed by Tootsie Dawson. Pat Bates was charming as Myrtle Keller, and Blanche Damond was delightfully played by Dorothy Fisher. The roles of Nutsy Miller, a news- paper reporter, and that of a radio announcer were per- formed by Robert Schneller, Vaughn Stimbert and Johnny Skinner respectively. Working on the stage settings are Mary Elizabeth Carlton, sawing away; Billie Farmer, painting; and Roy McKee and Marti Moss work- ing on the stairway. The Staff Director Eugene Bence Technical Director Bradford White Stage Manager John Jones Prompter Joan Smith Lighting Techn : cians Eleanor Williamson Vaughn Stimbert, Johnny Skinner Sound Effects Hank Brint Costume Pat Crawfo r d, Mary Liz Carlton Make-Up Martha Wallace, Peggy Claypool Gary Sullins Property Committee Jim Hamilton, Roy McKee, Gary Sullins Stage Crew Billie Farmer, Martha Moss, Robert Wilkes, Bea Loeb Publicity Victor Atyas, Joan Hassell Box Office Evelyn Kempe, Nancy Fisher House Manager Agnes Ann Moore Members of Alpha Psi Omega Going through scenes from The Male Animal are, left to right, Jim Hurt and Collins Kilburn; Collins Kilburn, Jere Joyner and Georgia Stein; Carlton McFarland and Jim Hurt.

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2), rama tied cfDi ?p tment eparimen The College Drama Department presented four out- standing productions this season. The first was a delightful modern comedy, The Male Animal, which was followed by a period comedy, The Admirable Crighton. The third production was the very dramatic The Glass Menagerie. After this show the department co-operated with the Music Department to produce the opera, The Marriage of Figaro. The climax to the season came with the annual Shake- speare Festival. For this year ' s production, the department selected The Taming of the Shrew. As has been the policy for several years, the department again plans to present an evening of one-act plays at the end of the spring quarter. It is in these plays that most of the new talent for the department is discovered and developed. These one acts not only develop new actors but also present the opportunity for students to gain experience in directing. The department has as its aim the encouragement of the study of dramatics in order to help students gain a better appreciation for dramatic literature. A club for students who have a particular interest in dramatics is sponsored by this department. Called Sock and Buskin, it serves as a stepping stone to the honorary dramatic fraternity, Alpha Psi Omega. Membership in this fraternity is the goal of every drama student. Members of the Dramatics Department Staff Dr. Don Streeter Prof Bradford White Prof. Eugene Bence Page 24

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Page 26 Jne rdmirable ( rickton The Admirable Crichton, a delightful comedy about a haughty English family and its admirable butler, Crichton, written by Sir James M. Barrie, opened Dec. 10 and ran three nights. Bradford White did an outstanding job of directing and Eugene Bence did a fine job as technical director. Agnes Ann Moore served well as stage manager with Johnny Skinner an able assistant. In the title role of Crichton, Marvin Smith gave a grand performance as a butler, serving well his master, though not approving at all times his master ' s way of thinking. The master of this paragon of butlers, Lord Loam, was played by Carlton McFarland, who did his role well. Lady Mary Lasenby, the eldest of Lord Loam ' s three haughty daughters, was played by Joan Smith, who gave a magnificent per- formance. Anne Williams as Catherine and Billie Farmer as Agatha both did the younger daughters ' role extremely well. Jimmy Hurt as the Honorable Ernest Woody was delightful; Fulmore Harwell as the Rev. John Treherne gave a nice performance. Wally Miller was particularly convincing as Lord Brockle- hurst, a young nobleman whose mother, Lady Brocklehurst, played by Peggy CI ay pool, handled his love affairs. Peggy, as usual, did a fine part as the mother. Eleanor Williamson as Eliza the tweeny, a scullery maid raised up to lady ' s maid, gave a fine performance as always. As the servants in the household of Lord Loam, fine performances were given by Elizabeth Carlton as Mrs. Perkins the cook; Victor Atyas as Monsieur Fieury the chef; Roy McKee as Mr. Rolleston the valet and later as a Naval officer; Henry Brint -as Tomp- sett the coachman; Pat Bates as Fisher, a maid; Paige Rat- cliff and M ' chie Dews as maids; Mike Long as the stableboy and Martha Wallace as the kitchen wench. The Staff Director Bradford White ■ Technical Director Eugene Bence State Manager Agnes Ann Moore Assistant Stage Manager Johnny Skinner Prompter Tootsie Dawson Lighting Technicians Jim Boudreaux Henry Brint Sound Effects Joan H asset I Costumes Martha Wallace Make-up Gary Sullins, Paige Rate iff Properties Roy McKee, Robert Wilkes Stage Crew Elizabeth Carlton, Johnny Skinner, Martha Moss, Roy McKee, Allen Bates, Robert Wilkes Pat Crawford, Billie Farmer Publicity Victor Atyas, Domenique David Box Office Evelyn Kempe, Nancy Fisher House Manager Elizabeth Moore Carlton McFarland remains calm in spite of dangers behind from Ful- more Harwell and Billie Farmer. In center, the butler, Marvin Smith, and Joan Smith, are watched carefully by Eleanor Williamson, Billie Farmer and Anne Williams. In lower picture, Joan Smith and Billie Farmer, standing, with Anne Williams thinking.