Memphis University School - Owl Yearbook (Memphis, TN)

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Theatrics Innovativeness Characterizes Dramatic Activities Dramatic activities began early in the summer with the MUS drama cHnic, under the guidance of Mr. George Elder. Bob Ruch, Cathy Crisler, and Holly Kirby were among the students who studied acting techniques. Experi- menting in such media as panto- mime, the thespians finally per- formed Take Her, She ' s Mine. The comedy about a young girl entering college was produced at Front Street Theatre. The first production of the aca- demic year was a mystery by Agatha Christie, Ten Little Indi- ans. The story centered around ten guests mysteriously invited to a seaside mansion by an unknown host. As each of the ten porcelain figures of Indians fell off the mantelpiece, one of the guests met with death. Taking parts as ill-fated guests were Susan Carr, Dawson Sather, Morris Jones, and Malcolm Pearson. Aided by Sara Smith, Doug Ray, David Reed, Emify Briggs, John Edmonds, and David McDonald, the actors recre- ated the familiar air of mystery and murder on the MUS stage. Immediately after the New Year, students were treated to an unusual change in the second production of the year. Updating Moliere ' s The 1 {lysician in Spite of Himself to the South in the Forties, Mr. Andy Saunders added many present-day facts and events to treat MUS to its first innovative dramatic happening. Actors Kip Caffey, Buck Lewis, Peg Dickinson, and Stephanie Brown performed and passed out favors during the intermission, acts explicable only if seen in per- son. Also taking part in the unu- sual show were John Whitson, Larry Hatchett, Mack Ray, and Beth Williford. Finally, for the last production of the year, Mr. George Elder, Mrs. Jesse Wesbury, Mrs. Martha TomUnson and Mr. Andy Saun- ders united efforts for the usual musical extravaganza. Choosing that old high school favorite. Bye, Bye, Birdie, they auditioned more than sixty people for the jobs of acting, dancing, and singing. Mal- colm Pearson held the male lead, and Wise Jones cinched the role of Conrad Birdie, the rock and roll star who makes the teeny- boppers swoon. Female roles were held by Jane Hutchinson and Cindy Howell. They were aptly supported with the help of Peg Dickinson, Kip Caffey, and Doug Ray, all contributing to make a successful show. Opposite page: (top) Mr. George Elder tries out a role himself, (left inset) Susan Carr auditions for Ten Little Indians, (right inset) Stephanie Brown and Kip Caffey caught in an intimate moment backstage, (bottom) Malcolm Pearson comes to the rescue of Emily Briggs and Dawson Sather, while Sara Smith and Susan Carr affect appropriate concern. This page: (top) Sidekicks Larry Hatchett and Mack Ray catch John Whitson before he ambulates off stage in The Physician in Spite of Himself, (bottom) Richard Brown tries out for Bye, Bye, Birdie. 23

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Basketball Homecoming Tight Game For First Basketball Homecoming The first Basketball Homecom- ing for MUS was the scene of one of the more exciting games of the year. Meeting the East High Mus- tangs, the Buzzards held periodic two point leads for the first half. The students were up for the action, yelling and screaming while equally enthusiastic parents participated. During halftime, the Homecom- ing Court, consisting of Jimpsie Seay, Ellen Crenshaw, and Mary Jehl, was introduced. As the respective girls and their parents nervously awaited, Mary Jehl was proclaimed Second Alternate to the Queen. Jimpsie Seay followed her as the First Alternate. Of course, Ellen Crenshaw then became MUS ' first Basketball Homecoming Queen. As the wave of applause died for the three girls, they moved off the court to be replaced by the teams. As the encounter entered the fourth quarter, nerves were as tight as the score. A constantly tied game resulted in execrations or invocations during the foul shots. Also arduous was the task of trying to keep the frenetic spectators off the court as they hurled numerous vituperations at the opposite side. After the regulation time had ended in a tie, 64 to 64, the play- ers readied themselves for the ensuing physical barrage. Seconds ticked by like minutes as each side hoped for an extra bucket just as the game ended. But the score was tied again as the over- time ended. The added three minutes were even longer, but action went by so fast there was no time to clock- watch. The last minute sped away and East led by two points. In the last seconds, a basket by the Mus- tangs allowed MUS to enter the ranks of the defeated. Yet with a defeat resulting from such a fan- tastic game, no one could be overly depressed for long. 25