1984 SEASON 198 THE STATE OF NEVADA EXECUTIVE CHAMBER Carson City, Nevada 89710 RICHAHO 1-1. BRYAN Governor August 20, 1984

Board of Directors and Members Reno Little Theater P.O. Box 2088 Reno, NV 89505

Dear Directors and Members:

It is a pleasure to congratulate the Reno Little Theater on this the occasion of their 50th Anniversary of contin­ uous live theater in Northern Nevada. You may take great pride in being the oldest cOIlUTlunity theater in Nevada.

In honor of your spirit and dedication to the theater, I have proclaimed Thursday, September 13, 1984, as "RENO LITTLE THEATER DAY" in Nevada. A copy of the proclamation is attached. I Again, my congratulation and many more years of success.

RHB:kec Enclosure IN APPRECIATION

was born on Jan. 8, 1910. He at­ charged after the war following ser­ tended local schools, and went on to vice in Europe. the University of Nevada where he Returning to Reno, he continued was active in campus publications and to work at RLT and taught in the especially in the "Campus Players," a English department at UNR. He theater group headed by Edwin served on the Reno City Council Duerr. from 1951 to 1955, and entered the After graduation, he taught in insurance business in 1954. He was California and Nevada schools, and twice president of the Northern Ne­ then went on to earn his master's de­ vada Association of Insurance gree from usc. His love for the thea­ Agents, the president of Nevada In­ ter kept growing, and because "it was dependent Insurance Agents, and ac­ now or never," he and 12 others tive in the Rotary Club and the Reno formed the Reno Little Theater in Elks Lodge. 1935. Semenza served as the first Thanks to his vision of half a cen­ supervising director of RLT for 31 tury ago, the people of Reno and years. Sparks enjoy this special golden an­ After RLT purchased their build­ niversary of 50 years of opening ing in 1941, Semenza was awarded a nights. Rockefeller Foundation fellowship to d Semenza has lived most of his study theater. The following year, he E life in the Reno area, where he entered the U.S. Army, and was dis­ /

ant to know how to become she always responded. Back in 1935, W regarded as a theater's Leading Blythe helped found RLT and starred Lady? Start a theater company. In­ in the first production, "Three­ fuse it with your energy. Become in­ Cornered Moon." From that first volved with its productions as an show, rarely a season has gone by actor or director. Assist in the day­ without Blythe directing or perform­ to- day running of the theater. Help ing in a production. When she wasn't and encourage people. Continue that on stage, Blythe served as a member kind of commitment for more than of the board of directors and sub­ 50 years. Ladies and gentlemen, may sequently became its chairman. She we introduce Blythe Bulmer. also worked for ten years as the busi­ Blythe graduated from the Univer­ ness manager and generally lent a sity of Nevada with a bachelor's de­ hand whenever it was needed. gree in English in 1933. She had per­ This past season, Blythe added to formed at the university as part of the her directing credits with the audi­ "Campus Players" group and had ence-pleasing finale, "Ladies Night been a member of the English Honor in a Turkish Bath." It was certainly Society and Cap and Scroll. In the no curtain call on her career. RLT's real world, Blythe became an English Leading Lady is currently looking at teacher at Reno High School, an as­ scripts for future seasons. sociation that was to span decades. She served on the board of directors of the Reno Executive Club and was an officer in Reno's Twentieth Cen­ tury Club. But it was the illusory world of the stage that always called to Blythe and \ RLT: A leading part of Reno for 50 Years

"/ decided that the time had come Harvey Bell, Randall Ross, Hoyt office manager for nearly 30 years. when it was now or never. We 'd bet­ Martin, Richard Hillman and Wil­ "He had this love for the theater and ter start a little theater." liam C. Miller. The theater's first he passed it on to other people." - Ed Semenza, 1935 show, "Three Cornered Moon" by The natural leader for the fledgling "Who would have thought it would Gertrude Tonkonogy, debuted on theater, Semenza became the first have lasted so long?" Oct. 15, 1935 in what was then supervising director, a position he - Ed Semenza, today known as the University of Nevada held for more tnan 30 years. His art­ Auditorium. istic skills, his sense of what the audi­ t was indeed in ]935 that Ed A month later, the troupe mounted ence wanted to see and his popularity I Semenza and 12 individuals de­ their second production at the old in the community (he served as a cided that a community theater was Reno High School. Then they moved Reno city councilman for one term in needed in Reno. Never mind that the the productions to the old State the ]950s), are all cited as factors be­ country was still in the midst of a Building in Downing Park. The hind RLT's early success. But Se­ Great Depression, or that the popula­ founders had a dream and were will­ menza also contained a promoter's tion of the area was a mere ]9,000 or ing to work at it but what they instinct that would have done Bar­ that the troupe had no proscenium to needed was their own place. They num and Bailey proud. call its own. Being veteran actOrs of found it in ]941 when they bought "In 1939, Semenza received special the University of Nevada's "Campus Dania Hall. They had a big debt to permission from Claire Boothe Luce Players," they simply wanted to con­ repay and a lot of work to renovate to present her play, "The Women," at tinue working in theater. The goal the building, but RLT had found a RLT. The story is about New York was to produce "five or six plays a home. The theater has been at the socialites who come to Reno for a year." corner of Seventh and North Sierra quick divorce, and she wrote the play Reno Little Theater was penned Streets ever since. while she was in Reno - getting a di­ into existence by Semenza, Evelyn What is behind the theater's vorce herself. Brussard, Helen Lewis, Dorothy longevity? One of the scenes in the play is set States, Blythe Bulmer, Rose Sal a, "Ed Semenza," said]oanne (Gar­ in the Riverside Hotel, and another Alice Couch, Doris Shaver, Don finkle) High, actress, techie and box on a guest ranch in the Reno area.

2 Semenza recognized "the tremen­ founder of RLT, Blythe starred in and director. For the next ten years, dous publicity value of doing the that first production of "Three Cor­ Hettich showed that there was life play, being the first to do it in the nered Moon" in 1935. Her love of the after Semenza as he served with dis­ country." theater is surpassed only by her en­ tinction as RLT's guiding force. Semenza secured permission from durance. Last year, she directed last Jerry Frank served briefly in the Claire to do her play, the first non­ season's popular "Ladies' Night in a post followed by Michelle Power, the professional production in the west, Turkish Bath." She also remains in current managing director. One of and then the luck of RLT got even charge of the theater archives . Power's coups this year was worthy better when Helene Reynolds tried "I think part of theater's appeal is of Semenza himself: She secured the out for a part in it. that we've kept it a part of the com­ rights to the powerful Peter Shaffer Helene was married to the Rey­ munity," said Bulmer. "Your next drama, "Amadeus." Because of her nolds of aluminum fame, and she was door neighbor could well be playing efforts, RLT can boast that its version also in Reno to get a divorce. She was the main role." of "Amadeus" in February will be the from a family which was very socially A role call of the theater's "next first amateur production of the play prominent in Pennsylvania, and her door neighbors" who have appeared in the world. sister was Thalia Massey. A few years on stage: Former Gov. Grant Sawyer, "It's a very intense play," said before this, Thalia and her husband Federal Court Judge Bruce Thomp­ Power, "and it may not appeal to were directly involved in a famous, son, Judge Grant Bowen and his wife everyone. But in theater you need to and much-publicized, rape murder True (Gifford) Bowen, Reno colum­ take some risks." case in Hawaii (and defended by nist Rollan Melton, former ONR RLT may have outlived the fondest Clarence Darrow). Vice President Robert Gorrell, Reno expectations of its UNR founders, Semenza recognized the additional attorney David Hagen, Dr. Robert and exceeded their hopes of "five or publicity value of her name, and gave six plays a year," but it has remained her the lead. Pictures of Helene a community theater, one that is open Reynolds as the lead role "hit the to the general public. That it could wire service and went all over the last this long indicates a lot of com­ country." munity support and acceptance, and Semenza planned "a very ambiti­ a lot of volunteers - who are the ous production" of the play, and heart of any community theater. there was plenty of publicity for the In its first 49 years of producing three scheduled performances of plays, RLT has needed many people "The Women." There was more to to be directly involved as members of come. the cast and crew of each play. No Because "it was not the proper one has counted them yet, but a very moral tone," the local ministerial as­ conservative estimate would be 3,000 sociation asked RLT "not to do the people. production," or at least "censor part In order to produce the plays, of it." however, many more bodies were This, of course, was directly leaked needed just to usher, serve in the to the local press. Semenza said, "the lounge or staff the box office. A con­ net result was that we had three very servative guess at the number in this large houses for that production. And group would be 18,000. we even had a personal letter from "The future of community theater Claire Boothe wishing us well." Broadbent, veteran newsman Guy is problematical," wrote Ed Semen­ The reviewer who was sent by the Shipler, entertainer Cork Proctor, za, some years ago. Indeed it is, but "San Francisco Chronicle" was Reno businessman George Vargas judging by the past season, it con­ highly impressed with the RLT pro­ and artist J. Craig Sheppard, to name tinues to thrive at RLT, where 182 duction, and even more impressed a few. people tried out for 91 parts that with Helene Reynolds. The theater has also been fortunate RLT had to offer. Of the 91 who Semenza was also instrumental in in its choices of supervising and man­ were selected, 50 were making their another RLT history- making chapter aging directors. During World War II debut at RLT. That is a new-face in May of 1954. There in the intimate when he went into the service, Se­ figure of about 55 percent - which confines of the theater basement menza turned over the reins of the would please most community (now the Semenza Circlet), RLT pre­ theater to Rankin Mansfield, a pro­ theaters. sented the premiere of "The Track of fessional actor. Mansfield served The play is still the thing, and that the Cat." It was an adaptation of the ably, keeping the spirit of the theater should be especially true in the gold­ famous novel by Walter Van Tilburg alive during a difficult period. en year of RLT, which seems to roll Clark, and the only stage version of Semenza returned to RLT and the along like the Truckee River - right his work that Clark ever authorized. supervisor role in 1946. He held that through the heart of the Reno com­ The six performances were directed title until his retirement in 1970 when munity. Next year, as RLT blows out by one of Clark's high school class­ the leadership mantle was passed the candles on its birthday cake, and mates - Ed Semenza. onto David Wm. Hettich. An Eng­ starts to work on the second golden No history of RLT is complete lish professor at the University of anniversary, someone will surely without the first lady of Reno area Nevada Reno, Hettich had already make the wish: "Go ahead, RLT. theater, Blythe Bulmer. An original acquitted himself as a talented actor Break a leg!" 3 HIGHLIGHTS

A look at the highlights ofReno Little 1957-Circlet productions as part of RLT initiated a summer show for Theater's 50 years provides valuable the regular season suspended. An area youngsters. The summer insights into the making of the oldest occasional show was performed in project lasted for eight years. community theater in Nevada. It's a the circlet until 1982. 1975 -The theater celebrated its 40th recipe made up of equal parts of 1959-60-RLT celebrates its 25th anniversary. The season included a strong leadership, experimentation, anniversary. One show of that sea­ revival of RLT's first show, "Three the spirit of renewal and, above all, a son was a revival of " The Little Cornered Moon." love of the theater. Foxes." The theater acquired a new main 1935 -Reno Little Theater was in­ 1968 - RLT received a federal grant stage drape. corporated for 50 years. First and for the first time took a show, 1976 -The downstairs theater is offi­ show was "Three-cornered "The Amorous Flea," on a tour of cially named the Semenza Circlet. Moon." It was presented on Oct. Northern Nevada communities. 1980 - The theater was re-incorpor­ 15 & 16 in a University of Nevada RLT continued its road tour ated in perpetuity. auditorium. Ed Semenza served as through 1978. 1981-Jerry Frank succeeds Hettich supervising director. 1970 - Semenza retires as su pervising as managing director. RLT's second show, "Goodbye director. The RLT mantle was 1982 -A regular slate of shows is of­ Again," was held in November turned over to David Wm. Het­ fered again in the Semenza Circlet. in the Old Reno High School tich. Michelle Power assumes the posi­ auditorium. 1971-The theater underwent exten­ tion of managing director. 1936 -The th eater found a temporary sive remodeling in the lobby and home in the State Building where downstairs area. The stage lighting 1984-85-RLT celebrates 50th sea­ the Pioneer Theater A tlditorium system was modernized. son. The national amateur pre­ miere of "Amadeus" highlights stands today. The first play pre­ 1972 -Back stage drapes were in­ season. "The Little Foxes" is re­ sented there was "Post Road." stalled. vived. "A Christmas Carol" marks 1939 - Claire Booth granted special 1973 - RLT represents the west re­ the 300th mainstage show. permission for RLT to perform gion at the nationals of the Ameri­ A building fund drive to remodel her play "The Women." The pro­ can Community Theater Associa­ the lobby and downstairs area of duction, starring Helene Rey­ tion Festival. RLT's entry, "I Rise the theater is established. nolds, brought the theater national in Flames Cried the Phoenix," was publicity. directed by William Cowan. Artistic awards are re-established. 1941-RLT purchased and moved into the Dania Building on the corner of Seventh and Sierra, its pres-ent location. The first show held in the new building was "The Man Who Came to Dinner." This show also represented RLT's 150th mainstage show. 1941-1946-Rankin Mansfield be­ came supervising director while Semenza was in the service. 1953 -54 -The theater was renovated. The stage, proscenium arch and ceiling was expanded. 1953 - The basement of the building was turned into the circlet theater. The first production, " The En­ chanted," d ebuted Nov. 19. 1954 - RLT p resen ted th e world premiere of an adaptation of noted Nevada author Walter Van Tilburg Clark's " The Track of the Cat" in the circlet. 1956 -The "Golden Egg" artistic awards instituted. Joanne (Garfinkle) High in 1947's " Year's Ago."

4 Blythe Bulmer offers tea to Jim Hawkins and Richard Hillman in Reno Little Theater's first show, "Three-Cornered Moon."

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5 50 Years of Opening Nights

1935-36 THREE CORNERED MOON* GOOD-BYE AGAIN POST ROAD CRADLE SONG" MARRY AT LEISURE THE TRIAL OF MARY DUGAN 1936-37 BLIND ALLEY ELIZABETH THE QUEEN ACCENT ON YOUTH KIND LADY BOY MEETS GIRL 1937-38 FIRST LADY" THE SILVER CORD THE BISHOP MISBEHAVES ROMANCE PERSONAL APPEARANCE 1938-39 YES, MY DARLING DAUGHTER DAUGHTERS OF ATREUS ANOTHER LANGUAGE THE LAST MILE 'Rollan Melton (right) hoofs it out in the 1962 production of " Take Me A Ion)! ... THE WOMEN* THREE PLAYS BY NEVADANS 1939-40 PETTICOAT FEVER OUR TOWN OUTWARD BOUND THE WARRIOR'S HUSBAND SEE MY LAWYER 1940 -41 MARGIN fOR ERROR TWO ON AN ISLAND ROOM SERVICE* NIGHT MUST FALL GEORGE WASHINGTON SLEPT HERE THE MALE ANIMAL 1941-42 THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER" LADIES IN RETIREMENT THE PHILADELPHIA STORY* OLD ACQUAINTANCE MR. AND MRS. NORTH DOWN THE BLACK CANYON "Previousl y Produced Evelyn Brussard and William Miller begin a tense dialog in the 1949 production of "The Little (continued on page 8) Foxes. "

6 Scene [rom the 194 1 show " The Man Who Came To Dinner." This was the first play done in the present theater.

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7 (continued fro m page 6) 1942-43 GUEST IN THE HOUSE MY SISTER EILEEN CHICKEN EVERY SUNDAY ARSENIC AND OLD LACE* JOAN OF LORRAINE* THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS MEET THE WIFE 1947-48 OUT OF THE FRYING PAN YEARS AGO 1943-44 THE BARRETTS OF WIMPOLE MY DEAR CHILDREN STREET CUCKOOS ON THE HEARTH MADE IN HEAVEN SPRING AGAIN COUNSELLOR-AT-LAW THE DAMASK CHEEK YOU CAN'TTAKE IT WITH KISS AND TELL YOU* RUSSELL C. DAVIS, REBECCA THE VOICE OF THE TURTLE 1944-45 1948-49 JUNIOR MISS LI FE WITH FATHER * TOMORROW THE WORLD PARLOR STORY OVER TWENTY-ONE DUET FOR TWO HANDS CLAUDIA ROOM SERVICE 754 N. McCarran Blvd. THREE'S A FAMILY THE LITTLE FOXES* (Silver State Plaza) SUSPECT JOHN LOVES MARY Sparks, Nevada 89431

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9 (continued from page 8)

1951-52 RAIN 1958-59 FATHER OF THE BRIDE SABRINA FAIR VISIT TO A SMALL PLANET COME BACK, LITTLE SHEBA THE CAIN MUTINY COURT THE BOY FRIEND THE CURIOUS SAVAGE MARTIAL SOMEONE WAITING ~ HIGH GROUND THE TUNNEL OF LOVE MACBETH 1955-56 DEATH OF A SALESMAN HARVEY* OH MEN, OH WOMEN THE WHITE SHEEP OF THE DETECTIVE STORY THE RAINMAKER FAMILY KING OF HEARTS 1952-53 DIAL "M" FOR MURDER 1959-60 STALAG 17 THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH* GUYS AND DOLLS ON BORROWED TIME A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE WHO WAS THAT LADY I SAW BELL, BOOK AND CANDLE* THE SOLID GOLD CADILLAC YOU WITH ? FIRST LADY * THE MAN WHO CAME TO THE HEIRESS 1956-57 DINNER* LOW AND BEHOLD ANNIVERSARY WALTZ THE GAZEBO* ANATASIA THE LITTLE FOXES* 1953-54 ARSENIC AND OLD LACE* ONCE MORE WITH FEELING MR. ROBERTS BUS STOP THE COUNTRY GIRL THE TEAHOUSE OF THE 1960-61 THE MOON IS BLUE AUGUST MOON AUNTIEMAME GIGI THE TENDER TRAP GOLDEN FLEECING STREET SCENE TIME LIMIT THE MOUSETRAP AFFAIRS O F STATE 1957-58 THE MARRIAGE-GO-ROUND LATE LOVE ALL THE KING'S MEN THE DESK SET LIGHT UP THE SKY* 1954-55 THE GREAT SEBASTIANS MY THREE ANGELS SPEAKING OF MURDER 1961-62 THE CORN IS GREEN INHERIT THE WIND SEND ME NO FLOWERS PERSONAL APPEARANCE* JANUS THE ANDERSONVILLE TRIAL TIME OUT FOR GINGER THE MATCHMAKER 'Previo usly Produced (continued to page 14)

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11 RLT: A leading part of Reno of Reno for 50 Years

he outstanding lineup of plays nated to the project along wi th a supporters. All donors of $200 or T that RLT has on the boards this $5,000 underwriting of the effort by more in cash, services or materials year is not the only ambitious aspect the Gregory D. Corn Foundation. will be recognized on a plaque prom­ of the season. Theater members have The search is now on for new paint, inently displayed in the building. Of launched a building fund drive with carpeting and fixtures to restore the course any gift will be gratefully ac­ an eye toward remodeling the lobby building in an art- deco manner in the cepted and all contributions are tax and downstairs portion of the thea­ style of the grand theaters of the 20's deductible. ter. and 30's. The design services of Wendell Your help is needed. The theater is Let's get the next 50 years off to a Norris and Associates have been do­ currently seeking donations from its grand start! FACT'85 Festival of American Community Theaters very twO years, community but exhilarating, educational, and an panel of judges. The winner of FACT E theaters from all over the event of theatrical importance. '85 in Racine earns the honor of rep­ United States come together in a cel­ Winners of statewide One-Act fes­ resenting the United States at the ebration of theater called FACT. tivals compete regionally and ten re­ Monaco World Amateur Theater Fes­ Hundreds of volunteers in all areas gional finalists will p erform ] llne tival in September, 1985. This pre­ give their time, talent and money to 18-23, 1985, in Racine, Wisconsin be­ stigious festival was established by make the Festival not only possible, fore an impressive and recognized (conlinued 10 page 13)

WE'RE PROUD TO SUPPORT RENO LITTLE THEATER NEVADA'S OLDEST l.IVING THEATER (1935-1985)

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Edwin Semenza Richard Schield Chairman President

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12 (continued ironl paf!,e /2)

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13 (continued from page 10) BREATH OF SPRING MIRANDA JOHNNY BELINDA THE PLEASURE OF HIS COMPANY 1962-63 CRITIC'S CHOICE TAKE ME ALONG WRITE ME A MURDER THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE A THURBER CARNIVAL* SUNDAY IN NEW YORK 1963-64 TAKE HER, SHE'S MINE DESIRE UNDER THE ELMS A SHOT IN THE DARK MAJOR BARBARA COME BLOW YOUR HORN EAST LYNNE* 1964-65 THE BEST MAN ENTER LAUGHING CALCULATED RISK POOL'S PARADISE* A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS MARY, MARY

'Previously Produced (continued to page 31) Rena Semenza gives a manicure to Helene Reynolds in "The Women."

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14 The Portrait

he portrait has a romantic his- tory that spans centuries. Years T after completion, it remains a timeless expression of each subject's character. So, although it captures only a single moment in that sub­ ject's life, the portrait can be cherished for generations. To understand the allure of the portrait, envision the interaction between artist and subject. Blend­ ing subtle colors with brush on can­ vas, the artist interprets the subject's physical appearance to reflect not only what the subject is, but what it strives to be. The effect created is a wondrous expression of \ , the subject's character, carefully conceived by the artist.

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15 RENO LITTLE THEA'TER

"BOY MEETS GIRL"

by

KELI.A ANI> SAMUEL SPEW C

\

REFLECTIONS

How Do You Feel Why Do You Feel Care To Predict AboutRLT It's Lasted So Long? RLT's Next

George Randolph: I think one of Reaching Its the reasons it's such a strong organiza­ 50 Years? tion is that there are still people active in the theater w ho have been there Robert Gorrell: As long as people 50th Season? since the beginning. It demonstrates w rite plays, act and direct, theater­ that RLT serves a purpose. and RLT- will continue. Blythe Bulmer: I'm amazed. Lit­ David W. Hagen: I long for the tle did we dream that it would last so day RLT can afford a small resident long. professional company to provide a nu­ Joanne (Garfinkle) High: I'm cleus for each cast. The community proud to be a member. I think it's would be better entertained and our remarkable that it's made it so far. In local amateur actors would develop fact, I think it's a minor miracle. greater acting skills . George Randolph: It's a won­ Blythe Bulmer: I wouldn't dare. derful thing. Especially because it's 50 I can only say that I'd like to be uninterrupted years and for a city the around for the next 50 years and be size of Reno, that's tremendous. amazed all over again.

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18 Robert Gorrell (center) as Lt. Com. Philip Francis Queeg gets sworn in in the 1955 production 01 "The Caine Mutiny Court Martial."

~'VkSONO!l6 Congratulations ~fV~ =

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19 Rod Dexter as Sherlock H olmes and George Randolph as Watson fenet out more information in 1981's "Crucifer of Blood."

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1 --.J i / ,----­ '( ~ ..... \ ~ . ~I ----:: ~ J __~______~ • EIGHT NEYADA S I Little Theater Starts 18th Yea Trials and Triumphs Re4 ------Players' Efforts D"d Response of Public I Combine -----to Make Venture- -- Success \\\ hin. ( ,,\, II, thl' Rplt Liul Til t ...... t l .-" " n ". dn. It ~ 1 til Cf ~...--... ­ .r. --

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27 Reno Little Theater Life Membership List 1983-84

Mrs. M.L. Armanko Mr. & Mrs. Martin Johnston Mrs. Frank Polak Mr. & Mrs. M.E. Barber Mrs. David Lambird Miss Adlyn Margaret Rotholz Mrs. Karl Breckenridge Mr. & Mrs. O.A. Linnecke Mr. Howard Petersen Mrs. William Brussard Mrs. E.F. Loomis Mr. & Mrs. Edwin Semenza Miss Blythe Bulmer Mrs. H.E. Manville Mr. & Mrs. Carl Shelly Mrs. Louise Carll Mr. & Mrs. A. Earl Mangrum Mrs. George Stetson Mr. & Mrs. William Cowan Dr. & Mrs. T.G. McCleary Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Tedford Mrs. John B. Foy Mr. & Mrs. Rollan Melton Hon. & Mrs. Bruce Thompson Mr. John Gidney Mrs. John Morrison Mr. & Mrs. George Vargas Frances Gidney Mrs. Lilika Newman Mrs. Claire Vogt Mr. Bert Goldwater Mrs. Arthur Orvis Mr. & Mrs. Hewitt Wells Mr. & Mrs. George Hamilton Mrs. Warren Richardson Mr. & Mrs. Loring Williams Dr. David Wm. Hettich III Mrs. Sidney Robinson Mrs. Emerson Wilson Mr. & Mrs. Paul Jesch

STUDIO 4-----­

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28 The 50th Anniversary Season is supported in part by grants from the following agencies • The Nevada State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency

• The Gannett Foundation

• The Gregg Foundation

Affiliations Reno Little Theater maintains memberships in a variety of organizations including the following:

American Theater Association American Community Theater Association Nevada Theater Association Sierra Arts Foundation Sierra Arts Assembly

Newsletters from these organizations are posted in our lounge & reports from our liaisons are given at the monthly board meetings. Corporate Donors First Interstate Bank Nevada Bell MGM Grand Reno Boomtown Riverside Hotel/Casino

29 1984-85 Board of Directors and Staff 1984-85 Board of Directors Caryn Hawman ...... Chairman Brian Mathews ...... Vice Chairman Bob Gabrielli ...... Secretary Doyle Brown Gary Howell Mark Power Carol Easely

1984-85 Staff Managing Director ...... Michelle Power Technical Director ...... Royal Holbrook Business Manager ...... Joan Long Box Office Manager ...... Donna Howell House Manager ...... Dale Myers Publicity ...... Pennye Nelson, Bob Gabrielli, Stephanie Kruse Usher Chairman ...... Alice Brouss Lounge Host/Hostess Chairman ...... James Cashell Lounge Hosts and Hostesses: Cojean Hillygus, Pam Mefford, Becky Rose, Sharon Cathey, Sherry Rinn, Evelyn Savran, Madge Tillim, Connie Kittell, Terry Palmer, Anna Miller, Babe Puffinbarger, Hope Roberts, Kay Montgomery, Virginia Bowdish, Ida Clark, Rita Wilkinson, Larry Elliott Season Ticket Chairman ...... Rebecca Rose Art Show Coordinator ...... Alice Cerniglia Mailing Committee Chairman ...... Barbara Hageman Program Advertising ...... Caryn Hawman, Carol Easely Program Editors ...... Caryn Hawman, Vera Taylor, Bob Gabrielli Program Copy ...... Bob Gabrielli, Michelle Power, Will Hogan Program Cover & Poster Design ...... Nancy Peppin Program Design & Graphics ...... Patty Atcheson Photographers ...... Kathleen Bulis, Doyle Brown, Dan Brewster, Ted Cook Archives ...... Blythe Bulmer, David Wm. Hettich

30 (continued from page /4)

1965-66 1968-69 THE CHALK GARDEN NOBODY LOVES AN THE ODD COUPLE A THOUSAND CLOWNS ALBATROSS THE TORCH BEARERS* 1972-73 THE DEADLY GAME THE MIKADO THE MOUSE THAT ROARED A FUNNY THING HAPPENED WAIT UNTIL DARK SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER ONTHE WAY TOTHE TWELFTH NIGHT PRIVATE LIVES FORUM THE STAR-SPANGLED GIRL THE EFFECT OF GAMMA RAYS DEAR ME, THE SKY IS FALLING 1969-70 ON MAN-IN-THE-MOON NEVER TOO LATE DON'T DRINK THE WATER MARIGOLDS THE ABSENCE O F A CELLO A CRY OF PLAYERS BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE 1966-67 THE PHILADELPHIA STORY* NATURE'S WAY HOW TO SUCCEED IN THE INNOCENTS 1973-74 THE FANTASTIKS BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY ARSENIC AND OLD LACE* TRYING LOVE IN E-FLAT NIGHT WATCH THE SUBJECT WAS ROSES THE GINGERBREAD LADY ANY WEDNESDAY 1970-71 HEDDA GABLER THE UNEXPECTED GUEST HARVEY* THE IMAGINARY INVALID LIFE WITH FATHER* THE MIRACLE WORKER TONIGHT AT 8:30 BAREFOOT IN THE PARK HAY FEVER 1974-75 1967-68 ONCE UPON A MATTRESS THE PRICE 6 RMSRIVVU GENERATION BELL, BOOK AND CANDLE* VIVAT! VIVAT! REGINA! YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH THE REAL INSPECTOR YOU 1971-72 HOUND THE AMOROUS F LEA THE LION IN WINTER THREE MEN ON A HORSE CATCH ME IF YOU CAN PLAZA SUITE ALLOVER PHILADELPHIA, HERE I COME THE BELLS ARE RINGING SPOFFORD THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH * THE NIGHT OF JANUARY 16TH (continued 10 page 32) 'previously produced

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Robert A. CasheU. Chairmau of the Board Dick Scott. President DAVID D. WIGGINS

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31 (continued from page 31)

1975-76 ROYAL HUNT OF THE SUN 1982-83 A LIGHT NIGHT MUSIC CALIFORNIA SUITE CACTUS FLOWER THREE CORNERED MOON* MURDER ONCE REMOVED DRACULA THE LAST OF MRS. LINCOLN OH,COWARD A CHRISTMAS CAROL READY WHEN YOU ARE, C.B. 1979-80 DEATHTRAP THE NIGHT THOREAU SPENT WATCH ON THE RHINE IN JAIL POOL'S PARADISE ON GOLDEN POND THE SECRET AFFAIRS OF 13TH CHAIR THE GIN GAME MILDRED WILD MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM WOMEN, WOMEN ABSURD PERSON SINGULAR THE ONLY GAME IN TOWN 1976-77 CHILDREN'S HOUR THE GIRLS IN 509 THURBER CARNIVAL* 1983-84 UNDER THE YUM YUM TREE PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM JOAN OF LORRAINE* 1980-81 MURDER ON THE NILE THE MISER SAME TIME, NEXT YEAR TRIBUTE TEN LITTLE INDIANS ALMOST PERFECT PERSON TARTUFFE NO SEX PLEASE, WE'RE TRACK OF THE CAP AN INSPECTOR CALLS BRITISH CAT & THE CANARY LADIES NIGHT IN A TURKISH THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA BATH 1977-78 BEDROOM FARCE THE DINING ROOM PYGMALION THE DRESSER FINISHING TOUCHES 1981-82 ANGEL STREET' CHAPTER TWO CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF DEVOUR THE SNOW Congratulations HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WANDA THE. SILVER WHISTLE* JUNE CRUCIFER OF BLOOD On Your 50th Season! GOD'S FAVORITE AGATHA CHRISTIE MADE ME DO IT John & Lillian 1978-79 THE GAZEBO· SEE HOW THEY RUN Gabrielli LUV 'previously produced 1984-85 Golden Anniversary Season!!

Barefoot in the Park by Neil Si­ Wait Until Dark (Circlet Thea­ The Little Foxes by Lillian Hell­ mon, directed by Jerry Frank Per­ ter) directed by Gerald Johnson man, directed by James Cashell formances September 14, 15, 16, Auditions November 12 & 13, Auditions February 25 & 26, Per­ 20,21,22,23 Performances January 18, 19, 25, formances April 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, True West by Sam Shepard, di­ 26, February 1, 2 20, 21 rected by Ed Carey Auditions Sep­ Four Plays for Coarse Actors tember 17 & 18, Performances Oc­ (Circlet Theater) directed by tober 26, 27, 28, November 1, Caryn Haw man Auditions March 2,3,4 18 & 19, Performances May 10,11, 17, 18,24,25 A Christmas Carol by Charles Amadeus by Peter Schaffer, di­ Crimes of the Heart by Beth Dickens, directed by Bob Gabrielli rected by Jim Bernardi Auditions Henley, directed by Patricia Auditions October 29 & 30, Per­ December 17 & 18, Performances Mathews Auditions April 15, 16, formances December 14, 15, 16, February 22,23,24,28, March 1, Performances June 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 20,21,22,23 2, 3 15, 16 Also Scheduled for the 50th Season: Festival of American Community Theaters (FACT) Competion RLT's Annual One-Act Competi­ tion - Feb. 9 & 10 (determines RLT's entry in FACT) FACT Regional One-Act Competi­ tion -April 26,27,28 (RLT hosts entries from Nevada, California, Arizona and Hawaii

32