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ghe miaggnmag
Eighty-Seven Years of Editorial Freedom
420 Maynard St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109

reporter

bumped from

Christian COIcc

rw en

Saturday, December 11, 1976

News Phone: 764-0552

Edited and managed by students at the University of Michigan

By JIM SHAHIN
HI MEG. IT'S ME; the person you
ostracized from your cohcert Wed-
nesday night.
For the readers sake, some expla-
nation ...
I'm not a woman. Neither am I
gay. Christ, I'm not even ,bi-. That
is why I'm not reviewing the Meg
Christian concert.
Make sense? It should.
Y'see, Meg Christian is a gay fem-
inist songwriter-singer. It is important
to note that order. She is political first,
a musician second. This is not my sub-
jectivity. This is her statement as fil-

tered down to me by Oasis produc-
tions.
Having listened extensively to "I
Know You Know," Christian's first al-
bum, I thought Christian was an artist
of impressive talent and a person of
extraordinary sensitivity and intelli-
gence. When knowledge of her appear-
ance reached me, I volunteered for the
assignment of reviewing it. Too, I
wanted to talk with her about her mu-
sic, her politics and, most important-
ly, herself. So I tried to arrange an
interview.
Her record company, Olivia (based
in Los Angeles), called Friday night
and said no dice. Unless a woman
interviewed her. Feeling that what
Meg Christian was saying was import-
ant enough to warrant exposure, I

conceded and offered a woman friend
the interview. Olivia said the best time
for it would beright after the show
on Wednesday night. So it was arrang-
ed. So it seemed.
Wednesday rolled around and Kathy
(the woman who was to do the inter-
view) called, saying Oasis productions
(the people putting on the show) didn't
really know anything about it, and that.
she might be able to interview Chris-
tian on Thursday with several others.
All right. Wednesday night at East
Quad, standing by the ticket counter:
hassles. We don't want you to step
inside to review this concert was the
basic message from Oasis (and, I as-
sume, Christian). More hassles. "You
can understand, can't you?" Well, I'll
be damned that's what I thought I

nesaay
was there for. Understanding, or at
least attempts at, what Meg Christian
is singing about.
By this time it was too late to even
buy a ticket because the concert was
sold out. Elaine Fletcher, from the Sun-
day Magazine, was trying. To make it
short - Elaine acquiesed to my pleas
and their demands and reviewed a con-
cert she didn't especially want to re-
view because of other work and time
considerations.
Any, Meg, just thought I'd jot you
a note, letting you know that I wasn't
there. We're both probably the worse
for it. But, like it or not, I'm going
to continue listening to your music and
next time you're in ths neighborhood
I'm going to try again too talk with
you.

Mr. Shahin is a regular
The Daily's Arts Page.

reporter for


Letters

to

the Daily

En Garde!'


Editorial positions represent a
consensus of The Daily Editorial staff.

-



review
To The Daily:
THE REVIEW of PTP's "Oh
What A Lovely War," written
by [tephen Pickover, wasob-
viously written in complete ig-
norance. It was extremely bi-
ased (for personal reasons, no
doubt) and in no way was a
veridical reflection of the
show's artistic craftsmanship.
The review neither stated the
facts correctly or recognized
the psychological impact and
underlying issues the script
overtly displayed.
The show was a satire and
not a musical review. It made
its point beautifully; however,
Pickover missed it. No mention
was made of the satirical jux-
taposition of pierrot clowns per-
forming diddly skits and slides
of bleeding, mutilated soldiers
projected on large screens.
Nothing was said about the im-
partiality of the actors to the
very emotional and political in-
stitution of war. Most Important,
Pickover neglected entirely the
new theatrical philosophy of a
"company" which Pennell
brought directly from Stratford.
Had he done the research nec-
essary to write a good review,
heg would have learned that the
cast strove to work as a group
for the good of the show, rath-
er than for personal recognition
on the part of each actor. I be-
lieve, in this respect, that they
were very successful.
The review was a childish
piece and not appropriate com-
ing from a paper which claims
professionalism. And last but
not least, I don't believe Pick-'
over gave the show itself much
attention. Please, Stephen, the
Christmas scene was in Act I?
In truetheatre spirit, clean up
your act!
C. L. Harding
November 30
search committees
To The Daily:
WE WOULD LIKE to pro-
pose that the University of
Michigantreplace their "search
committees" with "find com-
mittees." It certainly would re-

flect a greater commi
the part of the Univer
it would confer the c
with some degree of c
As things now stand,
norities expect "sear
mittees to find anyth
search committee mer
a cosmetic appearanc
ing for someone, and
"out" when it doesn'tf
one (well, we tried, did
IT IS AGREED, goo
are hard to find, but
out there. Of course
as easy to find minor
women because this u
as others, still maintai
norant, archaic perspe
non-white and non-mal
beings. These groupsI
had and do not have
ward mobility and pr
options bestowed upo
males, who have yett
that they need all thel
they can get.
We would like to see
versity of Michigan
number one not just in
and basketball, but also
one in adopting an in
new, strategy that wou
the University corhmun
to the fulfillment ofi
posed goals. We. sugg
you change your "sea
mittees" to "find com
The Baits Black
December 10

ttment on
sity, and

PIRGIM

,ommittee To The Daily:
redibility. THE PUBLIC INTEREST
few mi- Research Group in Michigan
ch" com- (PIRGIM) should receive the
ling. The lion's share of credit for the
ely gives overwhelming 85 to 11 vote for
e of look- the Freedom of Information bill
an easy in the Michigan House of Rep-
find any- resentatives on Tuesday, No-
n't we?). vember 30, 1976.
od people In its July, 1975 STATE SE-
they are CRETS report, PIRGIM docu-
it is not mented the frequent abuses, by
rities and state agencies and local govern-
niversity, ments, of Michigan citizens'
ins an ig' right to know.
ective on Following this report, its a-
e human thor, PIRGIM attorney Ed Pe-
have not trini worked for several months
the up- drafting an ideal Freedom of
eferential t Information proposal which in-
on white corporated the best provisions
to realize of model proposals, laws in oth-
help that er state-- and Federal law.
This PIRGIM draft formed
the Uni- the basis for House Bill 6085
become which I introduced in March
n football with Representative Lynn Jon-
o number dahl (D-E. Lansing) and more
ntelligent, than thirty other State Repre-
uld bring sertatives.
ity closer Over the summer, while the
it's sup- Civil Rights Committee con-
gest that sidered the bill, PIRGIM orggn-
rch corn- ized supportive testimony and
mittees." mobilized public support and
Council stident lobbying efforts for the
bill.
Without PIRGIM, Michigan
would not have moved this far
letters toward opening government re-
cords to the peonle.
Perry 'Thi~lard. ('hair
as served Fasse Civil Rights
ed Michi- Committee
currilous December 3

buy it, but rather what are
they going to do with it when
they get it.
As an attempt to regain the
states of the Medical School,
the U' is leaning toward con-
struction of a new U-M Hospi-
tal on the site, despite appar-
ent legal complications. Fund-
ing of a new U-M Hospital
would not be in the best inter-
est of this university. Once
again, the University is go-
ing to ignore the progressive-
ly worsening condition of on-
campus housing. The over-
crowded state of this univer-
sity's dormitories must be, giv-
en priority. 'This university
must give consideration to the
possibility of the new site be-
ing used for on-campus. It is
obvious that the status or rank-
ing of the Medical School bears
importance, but the housing
situation is a much more im-
mediate problem. ,
A dormitory on the, site of
the old St. Joseph Mercy Hos-
pital would be nearly ideal.

rN
The proximity of the location
to central campus would eradi-
cate the need for "U" funded
transportation for students liv-
ing there. The continual ex-
pansion of University housing
in the North Campus area will
only add to the transportation
problem facing this school.
Also, the quantity of land avail-
able would accommodate a
dormitary capable of relieving
the housing problem for years
to come. In addition, it is feas-
ible -that a "North Quad"
could be achieved by mere
renovation of the facility al-
ready standing, at a much low-
er cost than complete recon-
struction.
.The University should not
give in to the ever-increasing
demands of the Medical School
this time, but consider the
needs of the rest of the stu-
dents. At this time, these needs
mainly involve an increase in
on-campus housing.
Brian Christian
Dec. 7


rts

ilf)p,


I
/

i

MICHAEL BECKMAN

"How to Succeed' proves
spirited Singing strained

To The Daily:
WHAT PURPOSE wa
by permitting "a spirit
gan fan" to write a s

By JOANNE KAUFMAN
SHOULD THERE EVER be another en-
ergy crisis, we can simply tap the
resources of the cast members of Soph
Show '76, which had its buoyant opening
Thursday night at Lydia Mendelssohn The-
ater.
There were some problems with this
production of How To Succeed in Business
Without Really Trying, but the high spirits
of the cast and the still very funny Abe
Burrow script did much to cover up any
multitude of sins.
The play, if you don't already know,
concerns an upwardly mobile young win-
dowwasher, J. Pierpont Finch, who on the
strength of one little'book How To Succeed'
in Business Without Really Trying makes
a meteoric rise from mailroom clerk to
board chairman of the World Wide Wicket
Company.Now this young Pierpont -
Ponty to her co-workers -- makes more
enemies than Richard Nixon - but she'
also has a lot of friends. One in particular,
a certain Benjamin Pilkington, would like
to be more than friends; in fact he would
like to be the one keeping Ponty's dinner
warm while she's busy at the office, but
he has to wait quite a long time for his
domestic dream to come true. Finch has
several chapters of her book to work
through before she can contemplate matri-
mony.
IN THE PROCESS of working through
her book, Ponty manages to work over the
egregious Breet Frump who happens to be
niece of the bookkeeper J. B. Bigley;
Finch of course, manages to do a num-
her on Bipley himself. This is not to give
the idea that life at the ton is easy or
teat soibtions come as quickly as turning
a no"e, hit J. Piernont makes it look that
wav. And we're in there cheering for her
on e-erv slippery rung of that ladder of
This production of Burrow's Pulitzer
prize - winning play had a slightly differ-
ent twist to it. Certain parts originally
written for men were portrayed by women
(as you have guessed) and vice versa. Ob-

funny I must not be telling it right.
Now about the speakers of those lines
and the singers of those songs. The acting
on the whole was creditable. A few cast
members, most notably Reginald Kathey
as J. B. Bigley were afflicted with a slight
case of scenery chewing but his rendi-
tion of "Old Ivy" and "Heart of Gold"
more than made up for it.
AS THE GIRL we love to hate, Breet
Frump, Pat Kolinski was right on target;
Ricky Gondelman as Benjamin- Pilkington
was appealing but his singing was not
quite as strong as it might have been. In
several instances he, and for that matter
several other soloists, were drowned out
by the orchestra. Judy Valenti had much
the same vocal weakness. She was won-
derfully affecting as the eager to succeed
Finch, but from her opening number on
she had difficulty in the upper ranges. This
was most apparent in what should have
been ashow stopping "I Believe in You."
And speaking of show stoppers, let's not
forget to mention Anne Wilson's bubble-
headed Hedy LaRue, the young lady every
man at World Wide Wickets wanted to
dandle on his lecherous knee.
The chorus numbers both vocally and
terpsichorcally were fine. Particularly
noteworthy were "Coffee Break" and
"Brotherhood of Man." There is one ques-
tion I would like to put to music directors
Scott Eyerly and Leif Bjland. If the mu-
sic had to be transposed to fit the cast
changes why wouldn't it have been trans-
nosed more in -accordance with particu-
lar actors' vocal capabilities?
Tech problems, I was pleased to see,
were either non-existent or well-camou-
fheed. Scene changes were generally rap-
id and quiet, the sets simple and function-
al. The director, Ron Shapiro, should have
advised his cast not to let their lines step
on the annlanise but otherwise he had them
wXll in hand. To sum it up, 'How to Suc-
coed' s1cceeds, in giving its audience a
r'lpnrit 'evening.
Just one last question: Where can I get
a copy of Finch's book?

and degrading (to all concern-
ed, including the editors) let-
ter in your December 3 edition?
The tone is vicious, its exclu-
sive intention was obviously to
humillate someone, its publica-
tion was in the lowest taste.
My own bias is that only a
friend of the editors would be
permitted an anonymous and
inane letter in The Daily in
order to insult and attack some-
one. Why?
Melvin L. Selzer, M.D.
December 7

Contact your reps
Sen. Phillip Hart (Dem.), 253 Russell Bldg., Capitol Hill,
Washington, D.C. 20515.
Sen. Robert Griffin (Rep.), 353 Russell Bldg., Capitol Hill,
Washington, D.C. 20515.
Rep. Marvin Esch (Rep.), 2353 Rayburn Bldg., Capitol Hill,
Washington, D.C. 20515.
Sen. Gilbert Bursley (Rep.), Senate, State Capitol Bldg.,
Lansing, MI 48933
Rep. Perry. Bullard (Dem.), House of Representatives, State
Capitol Bldg., Lansing, MI 48933.
muumnwam ammm mma msom emmm g gr

dorm idea
'To The Daily:
ST. JOSEPH MERCY Hos-
pital is currently building a
new facility in Superior Town-
shin, near Ypsilanti. Their in-
tention is to completely evacu-
ate their old facility at North
Ingles and Catherine Streets by
May of 1977. The old hospital
and surrounding land is on the
block, and will go to the high-
est bidder. Who do you sup-
pose is going to be the highest
bidder for this ultra-valuable,
forty-acre plot of asphalt,
brick, and ugly steel elevator
parking structure, situated
next to a University suffering
from acute land strangulation?
That's right, none other than
the University itself. But the
question is not who is going to
Letters should be typed
and limited to 400 words.
The Daily reserves the
right to edit letters for
length and grammar.

IAN: "BY JOVE, THAT World Trade Center was rather incredi-
ble, wasn't it. You most certainly don't see buildings of that
magnitude in Pretoria, eh John?"
John: "Quite so, old chap. It was a most exquisite panorama
of the metropolis. But still, I was rather incensed by the behavior
of the elevator lackey. He was inordinately snitty. Seemed to look
at us with, I shudder to think about it, insolence. Behavior like
that would mean the internment camp for him back home."
Ian: "Don't forget John, they emancipated their's here over
a century ago. Those most certainly must have been the days.
But, the world is changing. Why in two years . .. Oh, a bootblack.
What say you John?"
John: "Well it's your own fault, that. I mean it was rather
libertine of you to allow them education. The only formal schooling
our's receive is from the shamans. You're quite right, though. My
shoes are a bit murky from tramping about in the soot. What
was that thoroughfare we just walked past?"
"Ian: "Broadway and 42nd streets, 'I believe. Sirrah, rub that
left one a little harder. And see that you don't scuff it! It's a pity,
in a country with wealth -like America, they don't even have
trained professional bootblacks."
John: "It's hard to fathom, really. Imagine, instead of sending
them to a work farm, to learn something useful, like street-
cleaning, they are actually letting them into the universities,
Blimey, next thing you know they'll be given the suffrage!"
Ian: "It's a sad state of affairs, that's what it is. Imagine those
dark infidels at the peace, table demanding equal enrollment at
the University of Salisbury. Why they have every custodial position
on campus, not to mention all the book stackers in the graduate
library. If the trend continues they will want to unionize."
John: "Well you boiled yourself a fine cup of tea. Promising
them self rule in two years. And don't expect me to come in and
help you off the hook: I'm having a fine row as it is trying to keep
them off of the autobuses. You missed a spot there by the buckle,
you brown Boer. And snap it up will you. I haven't got all day
to dawdle."
Ian: "I do believe that the boy is glaring at you. Of all the
impudence. I tell you this country is the source of all our troubles.
Back home they read that the lackeys are allowed to be on public
highways after sunset, and immediately they feel that they are
automatically entitled to do so. It's absolutely scandalous, the
licentious behavior that these American darks are allowed to get
away with. Did you know that they're allowed fo attend the same
cinema that the people go to?"
John: "Ghas'ly, backward country. And the new president is
just as bad as the rest of them. Imagine, letting blacks worship
in the same cathedral as the president of a country. And the man
owns a plantation."
Ian: "There is just no fathoming of these Americans. How,
now, boy. Finished are you? I suppose you'll be wanting some
restitution for your labors? Have you change for a six-pence?"
John: "He has a rather queer look on his face. Rather like he's
been ired."
Tan: "Can't s whv. Back home four-nence is more than even

Tweed coat and

elbow

patches for
By RICH LERNER
HE SCENE IS familiar enough. The time has
come, once again, to pre-register, this
time for Winter Term 1987.
"Hey Steve, didja CRISP yet?"
"No Bob, my ticket was for yesterday after-
noon, but we had practice for the Rose Bowl.
So I'll just go tomorrow."
"You know what you're taking yet?"
"I have it pretty much set. But I still need
one class. You know a good four-credit course
I can use for Social Science distribution?"
"How 'bout Anthro?"
"Naw, I took an intro course already and it
seemed pretty worthless."
"I know, have you taken Poli Sci 333?"

Mr. Ford?
"Some old guy named Ford."
"Here it is. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday,
from 11-12. What's the prof like?"
"PRETTY EASY, BUT a boring lecturer. In
fact, he's so boring that the people in the class
across the hall have trouble staying awake."
"He's easy, you say."
"Ya, he doles out a lot of 'As.' Fleming's get-
ting down on him for inflating grades. By the
way, you should get a break orbtwo. I hear he
played football here himself, back in the old
days before they had helmets."
"What are the course requirements?"
"It's set up pretty weird. There's no mid-term
and the final only covers the last half of the
course."
"You're right, that is weird. Is he a nice