Radford University - Beehive Yearbook (Radford, VA)

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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

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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

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RU beauties dazzle audience Tri Sig struts away with crown Various beauty pageants are held yearly throughout the country in an attempt to honor the woman who possesses the most charm, grace, style and of course, physical beauty. On March 20. 1985. RU had the priviledge of viewing nine of the most elegant contestants to ever compete in a pageant. These pseudo-women gathered in Preston Auditorium for the second annual Ms. Radford Pageant which was sponsored by the sophomore class. The contestants managed to charm seven distinguished judges and a capacity-crowd of enthusiastic RIJ students. The pageant began with a formal introduction of each contestant who represented a club or organization. An opening dance routine to the ever-popular and seemingly appropriate tune entitled Loverboy” entertained the rowdy crowd. The contestants then dazzled the audience with a bathing suit competition. Russell Hinton, repre- senting Alpha Sigma Alpha, donned a string bikini while Jerry' Fafaul, representing Alpha Sigma Phi. wore a more conservative one-piece bathing suit with a matching sun bonnet. The talent competition was the next highlight of the evening as each contestant performed obviously, well rehearsed dance routines to popular songs such as “Let's Get Physical.” Manhunt” and Like A Virgin. It was in this area of the pageant that the natural ability and charisma of the contestants really stood out. In an attempt to test the intelligence of each glamour girl.” Master of Ceremonies, Barry Ratcliffe. asked the contestants some rather difficult questions on the topic of world hunger. The rcponscs were quite interesting, yet nonetheless, they remained unprintable. While the judges tallied up their votes and argued over who was really the shapeliest beauty, the audience was entertained by the popular Time” air-band and guitarist singcr Tom Vernccrn. Some comments from the audience. before the final decision had been made, revealed that Ms. Radford 1985 was a genuine success. Freshmen Beth Kerns stated, I thought it was humorous because the contestants did such a realistic job portraying women. Donna McCrory added. The turnout was excellent, and the crowd really supported the contestants. The time had finally come to announce the winner and the audience was filled with anticipation and suspense. Drumroll please . . . The winner is Bobby Jackson, representing Sigma Sigma Sigma and first runner up goes to Jerry' Fafaul . . . Fortunately, the judges’ selections agreed with the overwhelming audience response and RU was honored to have played a part in choosing the most beautiful girl in the world. ) by Kathy Letsch Bobby Jackson seductively takes center stage during the opening song 16 Ms. Radford