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

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

Page 25 text:

Russell Mclaughlin, drama critic for The Detroit News gives his diagnosis of the ailments The Fabulous Invalid has endured. WE PRKENJ . . . Every year the number and variety of speakers who visit Ann Arbor seems to steadily increase. No department goes lacking for a topic nor a speaker to elaborate on it. Audiences are adequate and often include an interested cross-section of student and town population as well as those who come because of specific interest or requirement. Most formal of these many gatherings is the University Lecture Series whose 1953-54 program offered such well-known personalities as Trygve Lie, Herbert Brownell, and Agnes Moorehead. The Department of Speech sponsors monthly assemblies to give undergrads a chance to hear what impor- tant persons have to say and how they say it. Hardly an afternoon or evening goes by without some lec- ture, or panel in the offing. In addition to teaching, authoress Katherine Anne Porter, resident for the year, answered many demands for extracurricular appearances. 21