Oregon State University - Beaver Yearbook (Corvallis, OR)

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'Vanya' portrays Russian dreams Bravo! . . . was the response to Anton Chekhov's production of Uncle Vanya's first opening on May 24th at Mitchell Playhouse. Director of the opening performance, Edgar Reynolds, changed the historical image from fragile irony to the Comedy of Time. The play portrayed an older Russian couple in 1889, living in an unrealistic world of fantasy and dreams with a disturbing hint of infectious restlessness. The actors included an aging professor and his beautiful young wife, Yelena, both displaying a variety of emotions which create a chaotic, but still empty atmosphere. Spectators rose when the powerful character of the old professor lit up in depiction of Vanya's emotional breakdown. The characters longing for youth, variety in life, and the need for love became obvious with their regressive manners which became apparent in their prep school repartee. The complication of romance and comedy together create suspense, leaving the audience in an air of tingling uncertainty throughout the play. I . taiiCoMn 26 Uncle Vanya

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I. Students joust in fun for moms. 2. life is a Cabaret for the Alpha Phi's anci-Sigma Chi'S. 3. Bob Proulx becomes emotionally involved with the turtles. i IVjm wapy Mom's weekend 25

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Firebugs highlight theatrical comedy. With a threat to burn down Mitchell Playhouse, Max Frisch's, Biedcrman and the Firebug presented audiences with two days of fast-paced social-comedy. Originally written in 1951, the play presented a cautious businessman in a small town hosting two guests whom he discovered were arsonists and had burned down part of his town. Serving the visitors matches for dinner only postponed a dramatic ending. In the past, the play, was an ironic comedy showing the German people's reaction to Hitler's power. OSU's version showed a more worldly story of interest, fear, and interaction, in which people sell their freedom of choice for promises of security. An experienced cast of OSU students featured Dai Crisp as the businessman, and Caroline Tope as his wife. Other actors included Ivan Schechtman and Dave Morden as the title characters and Steve Lee as a dusty student. I I Vio Wilry Oran W.V-v ' Oran Wrfrv 1. Arlene luebbert, Marjorie McDowell, .Mary Kay Adams, and Jay Rauign m a scene from Uncle Vanya 2. Stevonne Lee surrounded by the firebugs. 3. Ramard Rachele and Arlene Luebert were the title characters in the spring play Uncle Vanya 4 Dai Crisp portrayed the part of a cautious businessman, seen here with Susan Kaller. 5. Carolyn Tope, Michelle McMillan and Dave Morren in a scene from Bicderman and the Firebugs Biederman and the firebug 27