University of Louisville - Thoroughbred Yearbook (Louisville, KY)

Page 29 text:

While this organization is entering its adolescent period under the name of The Little Theatre Com- pany, its growing pains are over, and there certainly is nothing childish or gangling in its accomplishments. The sixty-five three-act plays presented since its opening in 1932 are positive proof of its mature versa- tility. Pooling of the talents and resources of the Alumni Players, the University of Louisville Players, and the Louisville Players Club made possible a mature group with the use of a theatre which, with alterations and additions, seemed adequate for its needs. This student group had had a glorious past beginning as far back as 1914 when Boyd Martin, of little more than college age himself, convinced the beloved Dean of the then College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. John L. Patterson, that he could carry out the Dean’s ideas of a dramatic club as an integral part of the University’s curriculum. Since that day the history of all these theatrical groups, culminating in the present Little Theatre Company, has been in a distinct way the lengthening shadow of Mr. Martin, the I

Page 28 text:

‘THe PLAYHOUSE Fire Linde Theatre Company ras just completed twelve years of successful drama production in the Playhouse on Belknap Campus under the distinguished direction of Boyd Martin. During the past season the group offered to its interested audiences six plays of varied types, ranging all the way from “The Damask Cheek,” a nostalgic comedy, to “The Yellow Jacket,” an Oriental drama presented in the Chinese manner replete with sing-song orchestra, visible but mute property man, and vociferous chorus. Spaced be- tween these were: “The Great Big Door Step,” drippy with Southern moss and “Cajun dialect; “Can- dida,” with an experienced cast that gave Josef Dignan his glorious opportunity to win the coveted medal- lion for the outstanding individual performance of the season; “Ring Around Elizabeth,” a hilarious comedy; and “Uncle Harry,” a thriller of the first order.

Page 30 text:

aa man responsible for its birth and growth. His real ability as a director, his electric, contagious en- thusiasm, his abundant vitality, and his deep-seated love for the drama have made it possible for play pro- duction to weather the real life drama of two world wars. It is distinctly fitting that one of the fine arts should have its home on the campus of the city’s leading educational institution which in itself is the natural cultural center of Louisville. The Little Theatre Company feels it has a genuinely altruistic purpose in keeping the drama alive; in providing entertainment and relaxation during these nerve-racking times; in affording its participants an outlet for their talents and even their pent-up emotions; and perhaps in a small way in helping to bring Broadway just a little nearer Louisville. This drama group is yours for the taking! B e proud of it; for if its past performances are a mirror of the future. There are brilliant years ahead.