University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

Page 22 text:

To be or not to be? . . . Financial difficulties forced the experimental Arts Theater to decide in the negative and after some four years of delightful creativity the loft at 209 E. Washington went dark permanently. Meanwhile, the stock of the Univer- sity Speech Department was definitely on the up- grade. During the fall semester, excellent produc- tions of The Heiress , Elizabeth the Queen , and Tartuffe drew praise even from Daily critics. Scheduled for spring were The Taming of the Shrew , Ariadne of Naxos this being but the second American presentation of Strauss ' s opera, and a Hopwood-winning play, Veranda on the Highway. Two series of one-acts helped supple- ment a most satisfactory bill of dramatic fare. Talent was apparent not only immediately behind the foot- lights, but also in the smooth functioning of student crews who gave professional luster to polished performances. Individual passions within one family are the basis for a gripping psychological treatment of Desire Under the Elms via Arts Theater. 18

Page 21 text:

Holding to a policy that was es- tablished with the society, the Gilbert and Sullivan Players con- tinue in their intention of per- forming all the works of England ' s most popular collaborators be- fore repeating any. Automatic group membership is granted to any member in a show. m I, Jlkn .lilllu l.iitllti lii.iull .,ih it A merry burlesque of two rival schools of English poetry flourishing in the last century is the plot of Patience presented by G. S. members last Fall. The Sorcerer and Thepis were scheduled as spring productions, the latter receiving its debut performance at this time. 17

Page 23 text:

SYNTHESIS: WORDS AND MUSIC Transported audiences forget the academicism of Auditorium A as members of the opera class perform selections from The Marriage of Figaro. All this, sans costumes, sets or orchestra, doesn ' t deter a fine singing and acting portrayal due to the capably waving hand of Mr. Blatt. With a wealth of student and faculty talent in the University ' s speech and music departments, it is no surprise that the logical amalgamation of these two should produce such delightful operatic results. After a heavy spring and summer schedule last year, including performances of Faust , Madame But- terfly and The Tales of Hoffman , the opera class slowed down a bit before starting the repertoire of a new season. On the lighter side, December brought Union Opera ' s 1953 contribution, Up V Atom , exploding with effervescent songs, dances and wit of its all-masculine production. A quick reference to history is the only support necessary to prove women are here to stay, says Miss Price, alias Mr. James Lobaugh. 19