SPECIAL SUMMER THEATRE EDITION

SPRING 1991 T VOLUME II, NUMBER 3 OTTERBEIN COLLEGE DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE & DANCE

A 25th Anniversary comes once in a lifetime Otterbein Summer Theatre celebrates it with gusto

Three words that best describe this year's 25th anniversary sum­ mer season are FUN, FUN and more FUN! First up is the zany (clever ad­ jective meaning fun) musical com­ edy A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum with Equity guest artist Ed Vaughan leading the onstage hijinx. This one has to be fun because it says so in the title. It's not A~Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. And it is funny. Show number two is Blue Win­ dow, a Central Ohio Premiere com­ edy written by award-winning playwright Craig Lucas and guest­ directed by Carter Lewis. The best way to describe this one is clever, offbeat-a thinking person's com­ edy. Seven somewhat pretentious 30-something New Yorkers attend a dmner party where no one really knows anyone. Trust us, it's funny. Charles W. Dodrill (the man who started it all 24 years ago) returns this summer to direct our final show Not Now, Darling, the sequel to last year's monster hit come join us as we celebrate 25 summer is our favorite time of the T Caught in the act! Guest artists Move Over, Mrs. Markham. If you years of laughter at Otterbein Sum­ year. We'd much rather be onstage Dennis Romer and Ed Vaughan liked that show, and we know you mer Theatre. Also be sure to con­ every night in the basement of the take to the floor in last year's did (many of you came back to see tribute a little extra this time to the Campus Center than be anywhere record-breaking hit Move Over it again), you'll love this one. Be Summer Theatre Patron Fund be­ else. Thank you for your continued Mrs. Markham. forewarned, Not Now, Darling is cause this much fun isn't cheap generous support of our program truly low comedy-no thinking al­ and besides, we need the cash! and we hope to see you again this lowed! Finally and seriously, it's been year as we celebrate the very spe­ Okay, get the point? If you want our pleasure entertaining all of you cial tradition that we call Otterbein to be where the fun is this summer, over the past 24 summers. In fact, Summer Theatre. T

Inside: A glimpse at Tilting at windmills Wasserstein at her our Silver p.2 cynical best in Season Uncommon Women p.2 p.3

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Hilarious Musical Nonsense Central Ohio Premiere Comedy Uproarious Farce A Funny Thing Blue Window Not Now, Darling Happened on the by Craig Lucas by Ray Cooney and John Chapman July 10, 11, 12, 13, 14; July 24, 25, 26, 27, 28; 31, Way to the Forum 17, 18, 19,20,21 Aug. 1,2,3,4;7,8,9, 10, 11 Book by Burt Shevelove and Music and Lyrics by Wed. - Sun. Matinee, each week Wed. - Sun. Matinee, each week Originally Produced on Broadway by Harold S. Prince Directed by Guest Professional Directed by Charles W. Dodrill June 26, 27, 28, 29, 30; Carter W. Lewis* Featuring Equity Guest Artist Marcus Smythe July 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 An Off-Broadway hit and winner of the prestigious Wed. - Sun. Matinee; Tues. - Sun. Matinee; George and Elisabeth Marton playwriting award, Written by the same scandalous pair that authored as well as the Los Angeles Drama Critics Award, last year's all-time biggest summer theatre hit No show on July 4 Blue Window is a funny, inventive account of the Move Over, Mrs. Markham, this year's offering is lives of seven New Yorkers gathered together for a merely a variation on that same hilarious theme. Featuring Equity Guest Artist Sunday evening dinner party. During the course of The scene is the exclusive London fur salon of Ed Vaughan* and the play we get an intimate glimpse of the before, Bodley and Crouch, where Crouch (the well-mean­ during and after of the party and its wonderfully bi­ ing innocent) struggles to keep things on an even Guest Director/Choreographer zarre party guests; most of whom are artists of keel despite the energetic philanderings of his Doreen Dunn* various kinds. There's a narcissistic actor, an aspir­ partner. At the moment Bodley is trying to secure ing musician, a noted writer, a family therapist, a the affections of of his latest would-be mistress by secretary and a parachuting instructor; all of whom "selling" her husband an expensive mink coat for a An American musical classic, Forum opened on come to life in this truly original ensemble comedy. fraction of its real worth, and the stammering Broadway in 1962 and immediately earned six Written by relative newcomer Craig Lucas (whose for its creators and star performer Crouch is saddled with the task of consumating the other plays include Reckless and the current Broad­ sale with a straight face. But, as luck would have (Zero Mostel). Since then, this outrageous musical way smash Prelude to a Kiss), "Blue Window is a farce was made into a major motion picture hit and it, the husband seizes the bargain coat as the perfect joy! A terrific new play ... "-Michael Feingold, gift for his own mistress-whereupon the compli­ has enjoyed numerous hysterical revivals world­ The Village Voice. T wide. Blending the hilarious illogicalities of Latin cations burgeon uproariously, with poor Crouch comedy and the zany nonsense of vaudeville, the caught in the middle. Suspicious wives, mistaken Note: Blue Window is a sophisticated work in­ identities, scantily clad girls clapped hurriedly into story of this musical concerns the connivings of a tended for mature audiences only. certain slave, Pseudolous (guest actor Ed Vaughan), closets and a barrage of rapid fire jokes all become to acheive his freedom. His young master, Hero, part of the riotous doings in this evening of " ... promises Pseudolous to grant him freedom if he non-stop laughter. The most uninhibited bellylaugh can obtain for Hero the beautiful girl, Philia, whom in town."-The London Sunday Express. • he has seen from a window. Deliciously unsavory characters, parents, neighbors and even strangers, are involved in the mounting confusion as the side­ splitting come

T Priority Renewal Once you subscribe, those seats are yours each year unless you tell us otherwise. You'll also have the first chance to improve your seating in subsequent seasons as special consideration is always given to former subscribers.

T Convenient Ticket Exchange Let's face it, conflicts do come up. If that ever happens to you, simply give us 24 hours notice and we'll gladly exchange your tickets to another performance of that same production. This is an exclusive benefit for subscribers only! All indi­ vidual tickets sales are final and may not be ex­ changed.

T Discount Coupons Along with your season tickets you'll receive our "Bring-a-Friend" coupons which allow you to purchase additional tickets at a reduced rate. It's a perfect solution when friends drop in suddenly!

T Sold Out Over the past few swnmers, most of our best shows have sold out forcing a lot of disappointed folks to stay home. When you subscribe you'll never miss a show because you couldn't get tick­ ets.

T A Free Subscription to Stages Published quarterly, Stages is the Otterbein Col­ lege Theatre newsletter that features discount T Clockwise from left: The Talley family ticket order forms as well as updates on alumni portrait from last year's 5th of July featuring in the business. guest artist Dennis Romer. Whodunnit? Alex Chatfield, Anastasia Klimaszewski and Colby Anne Paul in a mysterious moment from the SUMMER THEATRE thriller Night Watch. It can't be a bedroom farce without a bed! Meg Chamberlain, Bill BOX OFFICE: Timmins, Cheryl Gaysunas and Mike Wa"en in Move Over, Mrs. Markham. 898-1109

( continued from preceding page) College Theatre. bed, a feeble old man who has for­ Since Cervantes' death in 1616, Wasserstein's Women mirrors modern society more than 200 theatrical adapta­ gotten his days of knighthood, Dul­ Uncommon Women and Others, written by Pulitzer Prize-winning play­ tions of his novel have been made cinea comes to his bedside to whis­ wright Wendy Wasserstein, revolves around the reunion and reminiscences including operas, plays, films, bal­ per the words of the song he once of five Mount Holyoke graduates. The friends meet for lWlch six years after lets and television shows but none sang, To Dream the Impossible graduation and through a series of flashbacks reveal how their hopes and of these matched the popularity of Dream. The memory of Quixote dreams have been attained, changed or cast aside. Wasserstein' s play is a the musical. This musical first floods the old man's conscience. look at how this group of women deals with the conflicting signals of being opened in 1965 and won all major He rouses himself, stands up and educated for careers while also being socially groomed to be perfect wives theatre awards that season being for a last precious moment is Don and mothers. named as best musical by N.Y. Quixote again. Otterbein is pleased to welcome E1Ien Newman, an assistant professor Drama Critics Circle, The Outer At Otterbein, Man ofLa Man- from The Ohio State University Department of Theatre, as guest director for Circle, The Variety Poll and Satur­ e ha is co-sponsored by the Depart­ this final play of the season which will be performed May 29-31, June 1-2 day Review. It is one of the longest ment of Music with Craig Johnson and 4-9. Newman has studied theatre and acting at OSU, the State University running hits in Broadway history acting as music director and David of New York and The Central School of Speech and Drama in London. She with 2,328 performances over five DeYenney acting as vocal director. has taught at Cornell University, Ithaca College, Baruch College, American years. Man ofLa Mancha is indeed Romer and Johnson agree that it Musical and Dramatic Academy as well as currently teaching at OSU. one of the great musical classics of was Johnson's enthusiasm about Newman has performed in four Broadway productions, including 84. Char­ the modem theatre. Man of La Mancha that initially ing Cross Road, Othello, The Merchant of Venice and A Streetcar Named "Man of La Mancha has much lead the theatre department to con­ Desire, as well as several plays off-Broadway and in London. In regional to recommend it," wrote John Mc­ sider this play for the spring musi­ theatres, she has captured parts in The Taming of the Shrew, Brighton Beach Carten of The New Yorker. "in­ cal. "This is one of my favorite Memoirs. Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, Private Lives and several others. She has cluding a characterization of the shows," Johnson says. "It's chal­ also done a stint on the soap opera circut with parts on Ryan's Hope and All lenging but the cast is up to it. It's knight that is at once lunatic and My Children. pathetic, of Cervantes himself that a highly emotional musical. It is a Since joining the OSU faculty, Newman's directing credits include A is grave and compelling." T gripping show both musically and Midsummer Night's Dream performed at that university and her acting cred­ dramatically." its include a part in Broadway Bound and the lead role in Driving Miss While billed as a drama, Romer Daisy, both performed at Hangar Theatre in Ithaca. NY. She has also served points out that comedy, especially as speech and voice coach for the OSU productions of The School for physical comedy, is also a compo­ Scandal, Twelfth Night, Detective Story, lnheriJ the Wind and Please Don't nent of the play. Much of that com­ Hold the Dog Up to the Casket: An Evening with Mike Harden. This is the edy, in fact most of the movement first time Newman has directed at Otterbein. T and dance in the musical, has been choreographed by Patricia Hiatt, who is a newcomer to Otterbein Patron Fund Drive Easy to Reach Free Parking Stages is•••••••• the free behind-the-scenes newsletter of Otterbein College o ~..~ ; .:i-~•· w Categories Theatre. Contributing to trus issue Established were: ~ CJ Dr. Donald W. Seay .-k'Vl"'4-. ,1

Chairman/Artistic Director •/IQ,r ~! To help support our ambitious ~.to•r" ~.. Dennis Romer 25th anniversary summer season, Associate Artistic Director/Summer the following categories have been TodWl~n =';, ID ~ established for our 1991 Patron Managing Director Fund Drive. Jeanne Augustus Administrative Assistant Patricia Kessler Director: $150.00 or more Director of College Relations Star: $100.00 to $149.00 Patrice M. Etter Featured Player: $50.00 to $99.00 Director of Publications Cameo: $10.00 to $49.00 Patti Kennedy Staff Writer EdSyguda Current theatre patrons will be Photographer listed in the program by category and all contributions are tax deduct­ H you would like to be on our ible. During the past 25 years, al­ mailing list, please call 614/898-1657 or write to: most 200 families, groups, busi­ Tod Wilson, Managing Director nesses and individuals have contrib­ Department of Theatre and Dance uted each season to the Summer Otterbein College Theatre Patron Fund. Without this Westerville, Ohio 43081 support, Otterbein Summer Theatre would not exist. Thank you in ad­ Summer Theatre vance for your continued support. Note: Any contribution of Box Office: 898-1109 $25.00 or more automatically en­ The Summer Theatre Box Of­ titles you to membership in the fice is located in the Campus Cen­ Theatre Guild, a volunteer support ter and will open on Monday, June organization affiliated with 17. Regular summer box office Otterbein College Theatre. For hours are from 12:30 to 8:30 p.m., those wishing to participate in fu­ Monday through Saturday and ture Guild activities, please contact 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. the Theatre Office at (614) 898- The box office phone number is 1657. 'Y 898-1109. For more information 'Y And yet another ridiculous moment from last year's Move Over, Mrs. before June 17, please call 898- Markham with Cheryl Gaysunas, Bill Timmins and Mary Randle. 1209 or 898-1657.

------Cut here and mail to Otterbein College Swnmer Theatre, Westerville, Ohio 43081 ------1991 Sutnn1er Theatre Season Ticket Order Form Individual Ticket Prices (Save 14-29%) I Season Ticket Availability Dates Season tickets are available only for the dates listed below. Please circle desired Option #1 Option#2 Opcion#3 Option #4 date for each play and underline your second choice in case the first is not Fri-Sat Tues.-Wed. Opening Nitc Stmday available. Note: Opening Nite Club must circle the first Wednesday Thun. Cob Matinees performance for all shows.

FORUM $10.50 $9.50 $9.25 $8.50 Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun.Mat. Hilarious Musical Nonsense FORUM 26 27 28 29 30 June/July 2 3 NoShow 5 6 7 BLUE WINDOW $10.50 $9.50 $9.25 $8.50 ' Central Ohio Premiere Comedy I BLUE WINDOW 10 11 12 13 14 July 17 18 19 20 21 NOT NOW, DARUNG $10.50 $9.50 $9.25 $8.50 Uproarious Farce I NOT NOW, DARUNG 24 25 26 27 28 July/August 31 1 2 3 4 Single Ticket Total $31.50 $28.50 $27.75 s2s.so I All performances take place in the intimate Campus Center Theatre located in the Season Ticket Cost $27.00 $24.00 $22.00 $18.00 I lower level of the Otterbein College Campus Center. Performance times: Opening (Save 14%) (Save 16%) (Save21%) (Save29%) night- 7:30 p.m.; Sunday matinees- 2:00 p.m.; All other performances- 8:00 p.m.

I wish to order ____ Option #1 season tickets at $27.00 each (save 14%) $ ____ All sales are final--ticket I wish to order ____ Option #2 season tickets at $24.00 each (save 16%) $ ____ requests will be filled in I wish to order ____ Option #3 season tickets at $22.00 each (save 21 %) $ ____ I wish to order Option #4 season tickets at $18.00 each (save 29%) $ ____ the order that they arrive at the box office. Enclose $1.50 for Postage/Handling $ 1.50 Your tickets will be I wish to become a Summer Theatre Patron ($10.00 minimum contribution). $ ____ mailed to you the week Total Enclosed $ ____ of June 17-21. Make check payable to Otterbein Summer Theatre or charge to: MasterCard# ______or Visa# ______Exp. Date ______Name ______Signature (for charge card) ------1 Street __ City ______State ____ Zip Code ______Phone (home) ______(work) ______I am a new subscriber • Yes D No I am a former summer/winter season subscriber (circle one).