Summer Session Kansan
Thursday, July 12. 1971
5
Uptown
'South Pacific' opens Friday
Kansan Reviewer
By LEONARD D. GROTTA Kansan Reviewer
BUT DESPITE mothers proclaiming their offspring's talent, and assuming him how oriental Aryan children could look in make-up, Rea said that "South Pacific" enjoined the advantages that accrue to university theatre productions.
Friday, opening night for 'South
Park' with shaping up as a
decidely encroached event.
*We have a superb orchestra, very good voices, and a vibrant, vibrant and exuberant voice.*
The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical is certainly the major theatre production of the 1950s, but more than a month's work by 15 crew members, 28 musicians comprising the orchestra, and a 37-member cast including faculty members and Lawrence residents.
This summer will be the first time "South Pacific" has been performed at the
According to the play's director, Tom P. Rea, associate professor of speech and drama, even children are getting into the act.
"I think I audition a every blind-haired, 'blue-eyed child in Douglas County.' he said.
"There are quite a few stage mothers in Lawrence," Rea said in reference to the parts in the show for two Polynesian children.
KANSAN Review
University of Kansas, coming 30 years after the show first opened on Broadway in 1949.
At that time, following close on the heels of other Rodgers and Hammerstein smash hits such as "Oklahoma" in 1943, and "Carousel" in 1945, it was not generally thought that this super musical team could possibly surpass their previous successes.
But general thought was wrong, and "South Pacific" enjoyed the second longest run of any musical in Broadway's history, second only to "Oklahoma."
THE SHOW WAS awarded the 1980 Pulitzer Prize for drama and was voted the year's best musical. It was also the source of the song "She's Always Popular in their own right during the years, such as 'Some Enchanted Evening,' 'There Is Nothin' Like a Dame,' 'I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair' or 'Younger Than Springtime.'"
The play, adapted by Joshua Logan from two of the tales contained in James A. Michener's book, "Tales of the South Pacific," is set on adjoining French-run islands during World War II. It deals with an English, Ensign Nilsen Forbush, who falls in love with a wealthy, middle-aged French plantation owner, Emile de Beque.
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ULTIMATELY THE play deals with the problems caused by racial and cultural prejudice. This "message," said Rea Lutz, professor of communication, problems to consider in producing the play.
The story of their romance is interwoven with another romance between another American, Lt. Joe Cable, and a young Polynesian girl.
"The problem of prejudice has, in the past 10 to 15 years, been treated in a direct, bald-if not violent—fashion," he said. "Yet in the play, racial, color and cultural difference can be made, even in a manner despite the fact that neither Neal Forbush or L.C. Lable can cone with them."
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Rea said the other problem to overcome was one intrinsic to all musical comedies: that of "finding good singers who are also capable actors."
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SET AND LIGHTING designer for the production is Delbert Unrhub, University Theatre scenic designer, Gregory Hill, instructor of theatre, has designed the costumes. Musical direction is provided by George R. Boberg, associate professor of music performance, and Bill Anderson, doctoral student in choral conducting, as master. Choreography is by Mary-Kay Harris, instructor of speech and drama.
Tickets may be purchased at the Murphy Hall box office. All seats for summer productions are general admission and free to students for senior citizens and free to KU students.
"South Pacific" will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 13 and 14, in the University Theater. The play will also be at 8 p.m. with a matinee July 22 at 2:30 n.m.
New local band tries its luck on the Lawrence music circuit
By MARY JO HOWARD
Staff Reporter
The room is dark and heavy with summer evening heat, Amplifiers, microphones and wires crowd the room, making it difficult to see the six would-be stars who are turning their energy and talent into music.
Two guitarists play in tandem on a slow one, heads thrust forward, listening, always listening, to keep in harmony. The drummer, caged, plays with competent abandon. The music stops. Each person looks at the other with an embarrassed face. Then the complaints and wiscracks, "OK, who was out of tune on that one?"
Adjustments are made. The music starts again. And members of Bad Luck, a new rock band trying to make it in Lawrence, start again.
"We knew it would be hard, and it has been," said Bob Thursby, lead guitarist. "But everybody's got the same goal. We want to make it."
It is that determination helps band members Jerry Talbert, Mitch Mueller, Ed Good, Carol Barnes and Jane Wang make it the stuffing hot practice sessions at Thursby's house, 1102 W. 6th st.
THE MUSIC CONTINUES. This time the choice is a Fleetwood Mac song, "Rhannon." Vocalist Jana Wagoner, in her own style, imitates the sultry tones of Stevie Nicks. This time, the rehearsal continues until the song is finished. Looks of
relief appear on band members' faces as the last note is played.
Mueller absentmindedly picks his guitar, waiting for the others to decide on the next song. The decision is made. Mueller starts the slow sexual strumming which open Styx's "Sulta Madam Blue." Barnes, with concentration, moves nothing but her hands as she comes in on the keyboards. Her toner develops into a scream by the climax, and everyone is shaking by the energy. They like this song.
The band has only played playing together since March 1979, but has no lack of experience since most of the members have played with other groups.
Another problem, Thursday said, was getting bookings for concerts. Bad Luck does not have an agent yet, and because an agent cannot answer questions, the band has had trouble getting bookings.
The questions start immediately. "How was the bass?" "Are we doing this it really. Each requires the other, with the complexity that has developed from practice after practice.
FEEDBACK PROBLEMS caused by the crowded room interrupt the mood. But band members temporarily tolerate the problem because they know it is something a group has to deal with in a makeshift studio.
To counteract this, the group has been giving free concerts at Thursby's home. Survival, at this point, means getting their name around.
"The word of mouth's been pretty
good," Thursby said. "The neighbors don't even complain about the noise."
The rehearsal continues late into the night. And Cathy Good, wife of drummer Ed Good, only sees her husband at practice, and she must mind the hours. The two both work other jobs.
"THE BAND IS as much a part of character as anything," she said. "He wouldn't be the same guy if he didn't do it."
The principal topic this night is an up-
coming free concert Bad Luck is doing in Kansai City this weekend. The concert will be the singer's brother's house, 6821 Toromahawk.
Good has been in three other bands before joining Bad Luck.
Jim Jacobs, who runs the sound and keeps everything else together, thinks he has the feedback problem solved. It's almost time to wind up the practice, and so do, members choose a fast one called "Just What I Needed." By the Cars.
Everyone goes all out on this one. They want to make the rehearsal's send count.
The song is finished. Finally, rehearsal is over. Now come the usual criticisms about intonation, tempo and style. It seems that they are about a book with a smoke and discuss a little business.
Cathy takes a drag. While the life of a musician's wife might not be that great, she says, "It sure beats watching television."
There are questions about which songs are to be done, where to get a sound board and when to go to Kansas City.
MINGLE TONIGHT!
"Make New Friends, Meet Old Friends"
Ramada Inn
"Take a Ticket"
Mon-Fri 4pm-3am
Concerts
MIDWESTERN MUSIC CAMP
Royals Weekend
2222 W. 6th 842-7O3O
Sun July 15 Camp Choruses and Orchestra at 2 p.m. in University Theatre, Murphy Hall. Band concert at 7 p.m. University Theatre.
Thur. Fri. Sat.
(Prize Announcement
Tues, July 17 and Wed 17 Honor recitr
p. Sawarthaburst 14, Murphy Hall,
p. Washoutburrst 15, Murphy Hall
LAWRENCE OPERA HOUSE
Sat & Sun 6pm-3am
Coming up this week
Fri July 13 and Sat July 14 Cole Tuckey
Wed. July 18 Flying Burrito Brothers
LAWRENCE COMMUNITY RAND
LAWRENCE COMMUNITY BAND
Wed. July 18 a.m., Park and Park 13b and
14b atrium.
BROWN BAG CONCERTS
Today Noon, Watkins Park 11th and Massachusetts streets
Galleries
LAWRENCE ARTS CENTER Ninth and Vermont streets
saturday Night)
Now through Aug. 2, Oils by Matthew Richter, weaving and fiber arts by Scott Hatcher photography by Bill Kipp, ols by Benedict Gonzales, and mixed media by Benedict Gonzales.
7E7GALLERY
Now showing "Affordable Art" by gallery artists
VALLEY WEST GALLERIES 2112 W. 25 St
Now through July 31 Batiks by Ruth Paniget, silkscreens by Maridini West, watercolors by Lucinda Foster and etchings by Donna Aldridge.
--only at
JAZZ
Saturday: July 14, for 1 nite only, 71st Birthday Party for Ray
Legendary Jazz Plantist who was with Jack Teagarden, Eddy Cantor and Louis Armstrong
Ray will be playing with the Gaslight Gang 9-12.
Admission $7.00 ea.—$12.00 couple
Includes FREE BEER, PEANUTS, POPCORN, SOFT DRINKS
Bring This Ad in for $1.00 off ($6.00 ea.—$10.00 couple)
JAZZ
JAZZ
Tonite: Jazz Jam Session with Mike Betsner, Johnny Moore, and Paul Miller no cover-
Museums
Now through Aug. 19 A display on quilts and dolls.
Paul Gray's Jazz Place 926 Mass. upstairs
Sat. July 14 through Aug. 12 A special exhibit of original American and Canadian World War II posters. Hours: 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Mon. through Sat. and noon to 4 p.m. Sun.
FORT LEAVENWORTH MUSEUM
Fort Leavenworth
HELEN FORESMAN SPENCER
MUSEUM OF ART
Now through July 22 Frances Benjamin
Johnson: "Portraits of Women, 1893-1906"
Call 843-2644 for reservations.
Theatre
Recreation
Sun. July 15 Intramural racquetball continues at 12 noon. Intramural table tennis
Fri. July 13 Registration for the fourth session of swimming lessons. Registration is at South Park Center from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The sessions run from July 16-26.
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Sat. July 14 Intramural Racquetball begins at 10 a.m., Robinson racquetball courts. Intramural Table Tennis begins at 2 in the lobby of Robinson Gymnasium pool.
KU RECREATION SERVICES
KU SUMMER THEATRE
Tomorrow and Sat. and July 20-22 "South Pacific" 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 10 a.m.
Gen. admission $2.50, $1.50 senior citizens and gen. education with valid ID. KU to students with valid ID.
Swope Park, Kansas City. Mo.
Now through Sunday "Blackstone's Magic Show" 8:30 p.m. July 16-22 "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" starring Arte Johnson, Avery Schreiber, Conneal Conrad and John Carradein. Performance starts at 8:30 p.m.
10-14 Cale Tucker Feeding James Lamiee with guest Concert Band
Wed. 10-18 LYING GUMIRTO BROTHERS w/Jamiee
Wed. 10-23
Ft. Sat
19-21 *Pet's Blue Ruddy Band*
Fn. 27 *DAVID BROMMERBAND* w/m/Barla
*Group* #1000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Sat. 28: THE SECRETS* w/John Cougar
ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL (Two Big Dance Concerts)
ILLEN PRICE
JONNY TERRY & BROWNIE MCGHEE
7th SPIRIT CELLAR IS OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!!!
ALSO, CLUB MEMBERSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE!!!
Tickets for All Upcoming Concerts
Assisted at 170 Club Spa
Open 8 a.m.
Concert 9 p.m.
www.westchesterconcert.com
(212) 654-3000