Memphis State University - DeSoto Yearbook (Memphis, TN)

Page 244 text:

Otello George Osborne as lago reveals to James McCracken, Metropolitan Opera star, about his wife ' s disloyalty. James McCracken, playing the lead role of Otello, expresses anger at the infidelity of his wife, played by Helen Overton. 240

Page 243 text:

Miles Potter as Joseph Surface welcomes Annie Shaw, playing Lady Teezele, and Michael Leader as Rowley in the play, School for Scandal. Drama at M.S.U. The Memphis State Drama Department, un- der the direction of Dr. Keith Kennedy, stages performances varying from opera to comedy. This diversification is due in part to the modern fa- cilities of the new Speech and Drama Building, now in its second year. Among the many per- formances this year were the satirical play, School for Scandal, and J.B., a Biblical story about Job. An able assist was pro- vided for the opera, Otello, put on jointly with the Memphis Opera Company and MSU ' s Drama Department. Vickie Palumbo and Anna Pearson portray meddlesome maids in School for Scandal. 239

Page 245 text:

Jim Hyter as Joe performs a rendition of Ole Man River in Showboat. I C al j i r m i ji j H Ufsr . Bf« ! ■ 5k V ■ m Mk ir ' r !hI IK ifet. 5 A gO • H H L ' H V ' jf H ££$ H [ ' ' fc BBSs ■■■ M B Victoria Mitchell and Ray Edelstein discuss their future plans on the showboat. Expansion of Drama The efficiency of the Speech and Drama building ' s new facilities was instrumental in the merger of Front Street Theatre with the Drama Department. Memphis State is now privileged to have this professional resident theatre as part of its organization. This expansion has provided us with seven additional plays and musicals this year, and has vastly enhanced the opportunities and possibilities of further developing the Drama Department. An emotional scene in Showboat is played by Patsy Welting, Linda Childress and Jerry Hardin. 241