Southeast Missouri State University - Sagamore Yearbook (Cape Girardeau, MO)

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Laura McGhee and Bryan Thoma ditcuts the intricate art of make-up design prior to their appearance in The Ruling Oats. Mike Lewis administers the finithing louche to Debbie Dawfon as she prepares for her rote as Kathy in Vanities. Top right. Vanities opened with an all female cast shown herei Tana Spinner. Debbie Dawson, and Peggy Dersch. Bottom right, Douglas Smith appeals to the audience as the teading charac- ter in The Ruling Class. 26

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Typical study moods are reflected in the face and postures of these SEMSU students. 25

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Theatre in review The 1978-79 SEMSU University Theatre season once again provided students with a variety of productions designed for all interests. The audiences laughed at the comedy, was spellbound by the drama, cried at the tragedy, and sang along with the musical. The Ruling C lass was a satire on the British aristocracy. The play made fun of the British ruling class which preserved itself at any cost and got away with everything . . . including murder. Douglas Smith, who portrayed the main character, was supposed to be insane. At the beginning of the play he thought that he was Jesus Christ and he lived on love, but in the midst of all the other action he suddenly changed and believed that he was Jack the Ripper. As Jack the Ripper, he thrived on murder, all the while being protected by his family and his class. This production was directed by Dr. Jack Hensley. The second production. Vanities, cast only three people. Students chosen for these parts were Debbie Dawson, Peggy Dersch, and Tana Spinner. The play follows three women from high school through college and relates some comical escapades including cheerleader practice and sorority rush. The play then switches directions to comedy that comes more from the characters than from the situations. This production was directed by Dr. Larry Grisvard. H.M.S. Pinafore, the third production, was also directed by Dr. Grisvard, who is the head of the Speech Communication and Theatre Department. This play deals with two young lovers and the problems they encounter, and contains some familiar songs and characters. Its lively music was provided by the SEMSU University Music Department which utilized a full orchestra under the direction of Dr. Gordon Corwin. The final play of the season, Medea, was a Greek tragedy which was first written in the 5th century B.C. by the Greek playwrite Euripides. It was rewritten by the American poet Robinson Jeffers. The production was directed by Dr. Hens- ley. The story line features a woman who killed her children because of her husband ' s infidelity. One significant aspect of this play was that students took over major parts of produc- tion including costume design, technical directing, and light- ing design. 17