Radford University - Beehive Yearbook (Radford, VA)

Page 18 text:

Biff, pori raved by Burry Delaney, attempts to boost his father's morale by reassuring him that he is not a failure to the family. 14 Death of a Salesman

Page 17 text:

chairs the end awaits 1 One of the changes of 1985 concerned graduation. Seniors were no longer exempt from final exams as in the past and due to the time period between the ceremony and the final exam, it was impossible for registrar to evaluate seniors in time for graduation. Therefore, it was necessary to send the diplomas through the mail. The result was many disappointed students who had waited four, five, or even six years to receive that precious piece of paper but instead they marched to the platform and received only an empty degree cover. Many seniors were unhappy about the change and felt cheated. But, nonetheless, graduates received their diplomas in the mail six weeks after the ceremony. For hours after the ceremony, hugs, handshakes and pats on the back were abundant. Friends and relatives of the graduates grouped together and discussed the past years of experiences, the ceremony, the future and the celebration that followed. “After all the congratulations had been said, the former students returned home and faced reality and their new status -unemployed. Many had jobs lined up but, the fears of fulfilling an employee’s expectations were different than the worries of fulfilling a professor’s anticipations. Some had college loans to pay off while others had to find jobs. But, it was friday night and the former RU students had reason to CELEBRATE! } by Sharon Walthall Yvonne Knudsen anticipates the post-graduation celebration as she hides a bottle of champagne. B Surrounded by her family. Pebbles Maynard flashes a smile to signify her excitement on conn mm emenl day. Graduation 13

Page 19 text:

Spring play is a success Tayback makes guest appearance The week of April 22-27. RU was treated to guest star Vic Tayback (also known as Mel in the sit-com “Alice”) for his portrayal of Willy Loman. in the play “Death of a Salesman.” Tayback's performance, as well as the other cast members, proved how hard work and pcrscrvcrcncc paid off for young, experienced actors. The cast was chosen after a rigorous audition selection. uRchcarsal schedules were very demanding and. as Tyler Barden (Charlie) stated. The most important thing I got out of this was learning how to get by with little sleep and long hours.” Barden’s statement was realistic; the cast was reguired to meet daily, sometimes twice, for eight weeks. Death of a Salesman”, a drama filled with anguish, was Written by Arthur Miller and directed by Dr. James W. Hawes. The character of Willy Loman was often distraught while feeling the tribulations of chasing the often untouchable American dream. Tayback was complimentary of the Radford theater group and the University. Ilis apprehensions about working with student actors and actresses quickly dimenished. “The enthusiasm and hard work from the production was quite impressive. I had never done a University production before, and the friendliness and smiles I received at Radford made my stay a comfortable one,” said Tayback. Amy Turk, who portrayed Lena was quick to add. Mr. Tayback always created an easy atmosphere to work in. He was fun but was also helpful with what to explore after graduation. The University and the city showed their own enthusiasm; the production was sold out for six consecutive nights. Joyce Buck, a resident of Radford as well as the character of Willy Loman’s wife. Linda was excited about the turnout. “The whole community was involved.”, she claimed. The setting and lighting, done by Carl H. Lcfico, greatly enhanced the play's effectiveness. Paul Spiegelblatt. a member of the scenery crew felt he gained a tremendous amount of experience by being involved with the production. Working with a television star and learning the complications of stage skills made the time spent all worth while.” Spiegelblatt said. One member of the production who most certainly will look back and agree that it was all worth while was theatre major Barry Delaney. Delaney, a senior who played the part of Biff, was discovered by Tayback's agent on opening night. Having acted in over twelve plays at Radford. Delaney said that he had learned dedication, professionalism and pcrservcrance.” Delaney planned to leave right after graduation for California. His acting excellence has proven that Radford’s program is well-structured. and the students graduate with the knowledge that is needed. “Death of a Salesman” marked a positive direction for RU's theatre department. ) by Mike Popp