University of Akron - Tel Buch Yearbook (Akron, OH)

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Two Plays Allow Students to Display Theatrical Talent ng Performers Each year, the University Theatre presents a variety of plays ranging from comedy to drama. Although the various casts are made up of students, the audience can usually expect professional- quality performances. Some of the highlights from the 1987-88 season include: “Where has Tommy Flowers Gone?” Described as an “outrageous comedy”, the play was directed by University faculty member, Lyle Dye, Jr. Set in the late 60’s , it told the story of Tommy Flowers, a hippie wandering New York City, through a series of flashbacks to his childhood in the 50’s. “Juno and the Paycock,” directed by Howard Slaughter, a theatre arts professor, combined elements of comedy and drama to portray the effects on the Boyle family of the 1922 civil war in Ireland. The play deftly combined the comedy of Irish character with the tragedy of war. “The Jazzer,” directed by senior theater student, Valerie Bayless, is a basically a love triangle set during World War II. Most of the action occurred in a bar where the main characters are singers. The play was enhanced by several musical numbers as well. Joxer (Homer Farr) and Captain Jack Boyle (David Hadinger) spin another tale in the fall production of “Juno and the Paycock.” Charlie Flemming, otherwise known as “The Jazzer,” (played by Gerard Jude Neary) serenades his lover Vivian Ross in senior Valerie Bayless’ thesis production of “The Jazzer.” 24 Student Life

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Junior Dominic Murray models the latest clothing trends at a fashion show in the Hilltop. Rapping at “A tribute to Black Music,” Alan Wade uses his fast talking talents to capture the audience’s attention. ents Discover Heritage Black students unite to remember the past and to shape the future National Black History Month is celebrated every February, and according to Janet Johnson, a business major, “the month gives students an opportunity to explore their true characteristics.” Black History Month was marked at the University with a series of events. The observance began Feb. 1 with an opening ceremony in the Summit Lounge of Gardner Student Center. Several persons were in attendance to hear Dr. Wallace T. Williams, dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts, deliver the keynote address, “Black History as a Basic for Value Classification.” Another major speaker, Dr. Mark O.C. Anikpo, a Fulbright scholar from Africa, discussed “Issues in African Development” on Feb. 11 during a special forum held in the Gardner Student Center. Aside from the free talks by Williams and Anikpo, several other events of interest were attended by members of the University and community. One of the more popular events was the fashion show sponsored by Black United Students. With other events, black culture took the center stage. A “Tribute to Black Music” and Soul Food Theme Meal sponsored by the University’s Black Cultural Center were held to promote interest in the heritage of black Americans. Some events, like the general assembly meeting on “The State of Black America” and the “Until Unity Dance” had themes of equal rights. Black History Month 23 Photos: Dennis McDaniels

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-it; k . ' -if ' V Alone again. Tommy Flowers, as played by senior Michael Stadvek, mourns the loss ol his friends in the production of “Where Has Tommy Flowers Gone?” Vivian Ross, played by Maria Corell, entertains local bar patrons in the wartorn 1940’s in “The Jazzer.”