Theatre History Commons^™

The Wizard Of Oz, Otterbein University Theatre And Dance Department

1984-1985 Season

The story chronicles the adventures of a young farm girl named Dorothy in the magical Land of Oz, after she and her pet dog Toto are swept away from their Kansas home by a cyclone. The novel is one of the best-known stories in American literature and has been widely translated. The Library of Congress has declared it "America's greatest and best-loved homegrown fairytale". Its groundbreaking success and the success of the Broadway musical adapted from the novel led Baum to write thirteen additional Oz books that serve as official sequels to the first story.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wonderful_Wizard_of_Oz

Equus, Otterbein University Theatre And Dance Department

1984-1985 Season

Equus tells the story of a psychiatrist who attempts to treat a young man who has a pathological religious fascination with horses. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equus_(play)

Witness For The Prosecution, Otterbein University Department Of Theatre And Dance

1984 Summer Theatre

Only Agatha Christie could have written this suspenseful thriller with its uncanny triple flip ending. Guest artist Ed Vaughan will be featured as Sir Wilfrid Robarts in an evening of suspense sprinkled with comedy.

The Dining Room, Otterbein University Department Of Theatre And Dance

1984 Summer Theatre

A.R. Gurney, Jr. has crafted a richly humorous look at the now neglected room that was once a vital center of family life. A series of interrelated scenes that are funny, touching, and rueful combine for an entertaining portrait of American life. THE DINING ROOM, directed by guest artist Dennis Romer, promises to be a delightful evening of humor and abundant humanity.

Whose Life Is It Anyway?, Otterbein University Department Of Theatre And Dance

1984 Summer Theatre

Brian Clark has written a brilliant battle of wits in this extraordinary play about a man's search for personal dignity. Ken Harrison (played by guest professional Dennis Romer) is paralyzed in a car accident and kept alive by hospital support systems. Harrison decides that he does not want to live only to exist as a medical achievement. His physician is determined to preserve Harrison's life regardless of its quality. WHOSE LIFE is a sensitive, touching and timely evening of theatre.

The Fantasticks, Otterbein University Department Of Theatre And Dance

1984 Summer Theatre

This cheerful musical fantasy by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt is about young love, parents, the world and human nature. A wonderful combination of beauty, originality, spirit and wise but tender wit. The beautiful scores include "Try to Remember," "Never Say No," "Plant a Radish," and "Soon It's Gonna Rain."

Crimes Of The Heart, Otterbein University Department Of Theatre And Dance

1984 Summer Theatre

This new play by Beth Henley was the winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award. It is a warm hearted, humorous examination of the lives of three young Mississippi sisters who are betrayed by their passions. "It has heart, wit and a surprisingly zany passion that must carry all before it...It would certainly be a crime for anyone interested in the theatre not to see this play." - Clive Barnes, N.Y. Post

Same Time, Next Year, Otterbein University Theatre And Dance Department

1983-1984 Season

A man and a woman, each married to someone else, have a one-night stand that lasts for a quarter of a century. George and Doris meet by chance in a California inn in 1951 , and they agree to meet there again once each year. Both are happily married, have children and remain loyal to their spouses except for their yearly brief encounter. Twenty-five years of American manners moral and attitudes are mirrored as George and Doris are shown in six scenes, set five years apart. Genuinely funny and genuinely romantic, this play serves up old fashioned values with a …

Fiddler On The Roof, Otterbein University Theatre And Dance Department

1983-1984 Season

One of the most successful musicals of modern history, Fiddler ran for seven years on Broadway. This colorful story of the lives and customs of Russian Jews at the turn of the century has magnetic appeal for people of all faiths and backgrounds. The 16 memorable songs and dances include " Tradition," "If I Were a Rich Man," "To Life," "Miracle of Miracles," "Sabbath Prayer," "Do You Love Me?" and the incredible "Sunrise, Sunset."

A Midsummer Night's Dream, Otterbein University Theatre And Dance Department

1983-1984 Season

Shakespeare's imaginative comedy-fantasy takes a plot trip that combines young lovers, capricious fairies and a simple play-within-a-play performed by the " rude mechanicals" (Athenian workingmen) for an evening of outrageous comedic fun. For the 23rd consecutive year, a professional guest artist will be featured.

The Effect Of Gamma Rays On Man-In-The-Moon Marigolds, Otterbein University Theatre And Dance Department

1983-1984 Season

This absorbing drama focuses on Beatrice, an embittered mother whose girlish dreams have been shattered and who vents her frustrations and unhappiness upon her two daughters. Ruth is a pretty but highly strung girl, and Matilda, the younger daughter, is plain and almost pathologically shy. Tillie has an intuitive gift for science, and, encouraged by her teacher, she undertakes a gamma ray experiment with marigolds which wins a prize at her high school-and also brings on the shattering climax of the play. Proud, jealous and filled with her own hurts, Beatrice can only maim when she needs to love. Yet, …