University of North Alabama - Diorama Yearbook (Florence, AL)

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1 he departments of Communications and Theatre and Music teamed up to pre- sent the university ' s fall production of the classic Broadway musical Guys and Dolls. Dr. David K. Ruebhausen directed the show, with musical direction by Dr. Tom Ed Moore and choreography by Lisa Lyndon. Students in the cast included Leon I Cunningham (Nicely-Nicely), John Jackson (Benny), Daniel L. Tracy (Rusty I Charlie), Serena Hill (Sarah), Marc I Mitchell (Harry the Horse), Mark Spencer Hampton (Nathan Detroit), ! Dave M. Bishop (Scranton Slim), ; Christina Heline (Agatha), Keri Haynes j (Mimi), Brooke Hightower (General i Cartwright), D. Evan Tucker (Big Jule) ; and Rodney Bowerman (police officer). Also featured were Melissa Braswell, 1 Courtney Ary, Kellony Everett, Elishaba i Graben, Mandy L. Hughes, Mandy Maddox, Laney Marchbanks, Amanda Mashburn, Krissy Warren, Kelly Woody, Sam Gross, Steven Gross and Jody Johnson. Because of the enormous cast require- ments, Ruebhausen opened auditions to both alumni and faculty of the university. Returning for a walk across the Norton Auditorium boards were Randy Pettus (Sky Masterson), Elise Gilchrist (Adelaide), Terry Pace (Brannigan), Alan Flowers (Arvide), Janelle Clemons, Jan Ingle, Mark Newton (Society Max) and Jayne Jackson. 2000 marked the golden anniversary for the musical, which has been a favorite since its debut in 1950. For six weeks, the performers — most of whom had no JUST ONE MORE. Director David Ruebhausen snaps cast photos after final dress rehearsal. A BUSHEL AND A PECK. Adelaide (Gilchrist) convinces perrennial bachelor Nathan (Hampton) that she ' s worth marrying after 16 years of engagement, while the rest of the cast bear witness. previous singing or dancing experi- ence — were taught the basics of both disciplines as well as given dia- logue coaching in order to perfect the necessary Brooklynese accents. The massive set, designed by Ruebhausen, was constructed with the aid of Dr. John McCaslin-Doyle, members of the cast and drama stu- dents who did not audition for a role. Countless hours went into this pro- duction, one member of the cast said. Between learning lines, dance moves, how to carry a tune, how to talk like an authentic citizen of New York, not to mention keeping up my grades and holding down a job, I was kept busy. It was six weeks of hell — every joint ached, my vocal cords ached. I didn ' t see my bed for six weeks. When asked if he would do it again, the actor replied with a smile. Oh yes. Creating a character from noth- ing but language is the coolest thing you can do. The rewards make the torture worthwhile. He added, Getting applause at the end of the evening doesn ' t hurt either. — Marc Mitchell

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fc II u n J A ,V w M i i RAPCAMI ■ i osel gamblei Nathan Detroil fcigm innocence when i Mil, ir Brannigan (Pai iront him aboul an illegal . rap game K) I 111 i m ionk.iii. Sk) (Pettus) .in J Sarah il I ill i sing ii praises i love i .1 apac ity crowd at Norton Auditorium urn ' -il 1 R VD1 B 1 |ule 1 rucker, with , igai I and Harrj the Horse (Mitchell,second from left) compel the other gamblers t find .1 hideoul foi the 1 rap game 6V-V 1 OH t G% r lOCK 1 ' !•

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