Middle Tennessee State University - Midlander Yearbook (Murfreesboro, TN)

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...M 4r ' As Julie ' s daughter, Lisa Davis gave a strong performance in a role totally unfamiliar to her — that of an ingenue. Martin McGeachey and Vickie Stegall as Fanny ' s brother and sister-in-law were among the strong supporting cast giving their all in The Royal Family. Clay Hawes ' set depicting the Cavendish ' s fashionable New York apartment, was nothing short of stunning. Many long hours of work were required to produce the set which made the shoe pleasing to look at. Patricia Lane ' s costumes were tasteful and elegant (although the satin gowns were a bit overdone), but they were definitely 30 ' s fashions for a play set in the 20 ' s. Although the first act was a bit weak, the performers warmed to their task, making the second and third acts examples of fine acting and direction. Had you been in the audience you would have scarcely doubted its approval of the play. The near capacity audiences each evening made their approval known at the end of each performance with resounding ovations. The Cavendish ' s would have loved it! Royal F;:

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Royal Family The Royal Family may have been written in the 20 ' s, but its relevance to the 70 ' s is astounding. George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber created a strange lot in the eccentric Cavendish family and the University Theatre brought them to life with vigor and aplomb in their season opening production. With strong direction by Dorethe Tucker, the cast, a blend of old and new faces, presented a fine ensemble performance that infected the audience with enthusiasm. As Julie Cavendish (the most beautiful woman on Braodway), Barbara Ambrose did a remakable job. Her graceful sweep down the stairs in her first entrance did more for the men in the audience than a whole year of Farrah Fawcett-Majors could. Bob Forsythe, the versatile University Theatre veteran, did a fine job as Julie ' s matinee-idol brother, Tony. His dashing entrance in a long black cape rivaled that of Ambrose for sheer effect. As Fanny Cavendish, the family matriarch, Carolyn Jones was faced with the task of being believeable in the role of a much older woman. She succeeded with a blend of speech patterns and nuances which did not possess even a trace of false airs. 28 Royal Family

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Oldest Student Enjoys Learning Most of MTSU ' s stu dents eagerly await the day when they walk down the aisle to receive their degrees. Many graduates accept that degree while still in their twenties. But one MTSU stu- dent waited until she was 68-years-old to begin her college career. That stu- dent has the attitude that learning is an exciting process that should occur ev- ery day in a person ' s life. At 71-years-oid, Mrs. Annabelle Bourne is MTSU ' s oldest student. One of a very small number, Mrs. Bourne is enrolled in the 65-and-over audit pro- gram offered by the university. On sight, one can see that Mrs. Bourne is not a typical senior citizen who sits in a rocking chair, crocheting her life away while she talks of her chil- dren and grandchildren. As she sat with her Wall Street Journal ' m her lap, Mrs. Bourne spoke of the class she is taking, English Literature in the Romantic Peri- od. Referring to her professor, Gregg Coleman, a great teacher, she said, it ' s as though he has stepped right out of the period. Her classmates, she said, are bright, alert and so very smart. She admires them and ' their generation as a group and as individuals. Af if it surprised her, Mrs. Bourne observed that as a group they have curious minds, that they question things she never questioned in years past. I learn as much from them as I do from my teacher. Then quickly she added, Well . . . almost. There is never a dull moment in An- nie ' s life. She loves to read in her spare time and cooking is also a favorite pas- time. I ' d rather cook than eat, she quipps. An early riser Mrs. Bourne walks 3y2 miles before breakfast every morning in any kind of weather. She also enjoys traveling, visiting her chil- dren and grandchildren, who live in the Northeast, every opportunity she can. A lady who walks across town and back before many awaken in the morn- ing. A lady who doesn ' t sit in a rocking chair all day, who doesn ' t crochet, who would rather cook than eat and who is worn out from hearing people talking about their grandchildren. That ' s Mrs. Annabelle Bourne, at 71 years young, MTSU ' s oldest student. 30 Feature