/1 ' '/' 4 " 1 rN word ~~ . . w., < .. 4 x w ' ._ " ., , } t s Gents BY BETH COLQUITT Superb voices and a great deal of enthusiasm made the Soph Show's production of Grease a real treat. All the lead roles were well cast, with especially strong performances from Steve Jasgur (Danny), Janet Caine (Marty), Cathy Obeid (Frenchy), Ira Caplan (Kenickie), and Mitchel Adler (Sonny). I was quite impressed with Jodi Lustig's voice and her portrayal of Rizzo, both of which were strong and expressive. Obeid as Frenchy - pink hair and all - stole the scene every time she was onstage. She made funny, descriptive gestures and the most wonderful faces, with wide eyes and smiles all the time. Frenchy's male counterpart among the Burger Palace Boys (the Greasers) was Sonny, and Adler did a terrific job, overflowing with enthusiasm and obviously having a great time with the role. Another person obviously enjoy- The Soph Show production of Grease transformed a captive audience into Teen Angels. ing his part was the Teen Angel (David Love). For humor, this scene stole the show. Love obviously had a great sense of humor about his role, not taking it seriously, but keeping a perfectly straight face. Not only does he have remarkably flexible voice in range and style, but his stage presence was polished and, well, sparkling. Adding to this fantastic number was Frenchy, giving a per- fect show of the confused teenager. .The staging of the musical worked well. In particular the use of the actors in the 3-D movie in "Alone at a Drive-In Movie" was quite funny. The actors in the "movie" stand against a movie screen, then move off-screen to surround the abandoned Danny, singing at him as he laments Sandy's departure. The choreography was also excellent, and faltered only a bit at the Hand-Jive contest, which was overly ambitious. The dancers were given some flashy steps but were unable to give them the flair that was needed to be absolutely convincing. I BY SHEALA DURANT "I think it's more true to life than some like to admit," said Sonya -Davidson, member at last Thursday's performanc Wesley's drama, The Mighty Gents. The Mighty Gents realistically toldt group of young Black men, former gang upon reaching the age of thirty realize somehow passed them by. Some of them found a better life, others saw what anothe like, but didn't choose it - "they deliber off the edge of the cliff... I've never been cc why." The play was directed by Charles J coordinates the Black Theatre Studies pt University. LSA senior Rick Tittsworth le strong performance as Frankie Sojourner, the Mighty Gents and the play's protagon struggles with his identity and manhood, ft that justify the oppression of the weak an only the strong will survive. Three of the other Mighty Gents includ by Jeff Kolcon (Nov.10-13) and Kenneth J 17-20), Lucky, David Campbell and Eld Williams, who were quite convincing college acting performances of aging g without jobs, few positive prospects for thi need to maintain their dignity in a world c oppression. LSA Senior Charles Heckstal Rebecca Shubert as Sandy was good, but until the last number she was a contrast to the rest of the cast because of her general timidity onstage. Her voice, although lovely for Sandra Dee, wasn't quite up to "All Choked Up" at the end of the show. Her stage presenceduring this song was excellent, however. "We Go Together," which is an excellent song anyway, looked wonderful. It is performed twice, first at the conclusion of the first act, without Sandy, and then a reprise at the end of the show (Sandy included). It looked like so much fun that I wanted to get up and dance. There were also many smaller superbly acted roles. Patty Simcox (Jennifer Thompson), the goody- goody cheerleader, and Johnny Casino (Bob Saxton) were spec- tacular testimony to the depth of the production. Soph Show'sGrease, bursting with energy and talent, was a wonderful evening's entertainment. The Michigan Daily - Monday, November 21, 1988 - Page 9 prove migh his portrayal of Braxton, a suave gangster and Frankie's rival as a teen and an adult, and Composer/Sound people would Designer Stephen Newbey did an excellent job with thy an audience music. e of Richard The only female role in the play was the pivotal role of Rita, Frankie's wife. Rita was played Nov. 10-13 and 19-20 by School of Music graduate student Alicia Hunter the story of a and November 17 and 18 by understudy and LSA senior members who Jillvonnie Flowers. Flowers, in her first acting role, that life has worked well, delivering an emotional monologue ,Wesley said, detailing her life as a "deb" during her days with the r life could be young Mighty Gents. Rita mentions that she was born rately walked ompletely sure in the land of the sun - representing Africa - and is seen knitting a shawl which she says will protect her from the "cold," or the oppression faced by Blacks in the ackson, who United States. Rita is trying to "knit" a value system.for rogram at the Blacks that was somehow lost during slavery. d the cast in a The play had few slow moments, and even those were the leader of balanced by several powerful scenes that sometimes ist. Sojourner commanded immediate applause from the audience eveti ollowing rules before they were over. One of these scenes was Frankie's d believes that youthful confrontation with his father, played by Charles Dixon. Jackson invited area school children to the pdr- e Tiny played formances to give them an appreciation for theatre and to Johnson (Nov. show that if they "continue to live for today and live for ridge, Jeffrey these instant hollow victories," they will not have a in their first future. S.. ang members The Mighty Gents was a powerful performance, well e future, and a acted by a young and enthusiastic cast, and giving an al- f poverty and too-real look at what Jackson feels is "an element of the, 11 was bold in Black experience in America that has been forgotten." Art Continued from Page 7 doorway - so important to them. "Manoa Tupapau" or "Spirit of the Dead Keeps Watch" is an arresting example of Gauguin's style. Prim- itive and symbolic, it is filled with the mystery of the tribal folklore or the Tahitian people. Another noteworthy work is Cezanne's lith- ograph, "The Bathers." As this is the only drawing done in color, it immediately claims special attention. The color is bold and easily differ- entiated; this, along with Cezanne's rounded brushstroke, creates his form. His use of earth tones suggests aI more realistic delineation of nature while his heavily muscled figures stand like heroes drawn from the classical tradition.' Such an overview of the creativity and insights of the great pillars of the artistic world cannot be easily passed up. If you have even a half hour to spare before the Thanksgiving rush4 make certain to catch this exhibit. The exhibit will run through November 27th. The museum is open Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ard Saturday-Sunday 1-5p.m. Admission is free. G0~ i Gianni Continued from Page 8 death of Buoso. Even the younger children dashing around were charming. What also made this production special were the lighting and the THE DAILY CLASSIFIEDS ARE A GREAT WAY TO GET FAST RESULTS CALL 764-0557 costumes. In Suor Angelica, the lighting created a special divine pre- sence that was uplifting and beautiful to see. The costumes in both operas were appropriate and beautifully designed, from the nuns' habits to the relatives' exquisite outfits. The use of Supertitles, com- parable to subtitles in a movie, were helpful and effective, not distracting. The audience was able to follow what was being sung while still enjoying the original Italian. Those of you who missed Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi, mis- sed something special. You may not get the chance to laugh or cry this hard for some time. ATTENTION PLASMA DONORS! Earning $20 has never been so easy! Earn $20 on your first donation. You can earn up to $120 a month. Couples can earn up to $240. Repeat donors who have not dontated in the last 30 days receive an additional $5 bonus for return visit. GOING HOME FOR THANKSGIVING? DON'T DRIVE TO THE AIRPORT. RELAX AND SAVE MONEY BY RIDING WITH COMMUTER TRANSPORTATION. FOR RESERVATION & INFORMATION WHAT'S A. HAPPENING RECREATIONAL SPORTS IM WRESTLING MEET November 29, 30, and December 1, 1988 7pm - lpm Sports Coliseum ENTRIES DUE: Tues., November 29 4:30pm Intramural Sports Building WRESTLING MEET WEIGHT-INS Tuesday, November 29 10:00am - 5:00pm Intramural Sports Building University of Michigan SCHOOL OF MUSIC Mon. Michigan Youth Symphony/Band/ November 21 Chamber Choir Louis Bergonzi, Donald Schleicher, David Jorlett, conductors Program includes madrigals, band music by: Shoshtakovich, Hanson; and Vaughan Williams "Fantasia on Greensleeves"; Brahms "Adademic Overture"; Sibelius "Finlandia" Hill, 7:30 p.m. FREE Tues. University Symphony Orchestra November 22 Richard Rosenberg, conductor, and student conductors Mozart: Overture to "La.Clemenza di Tito" Schumann: Symphony No. 1 Swanson: "Dromenon" Debussy: "La Mer" Hill, 8:00 p.m. FREE For up-to-date program information on School of Music events call the 24-Hour Music Hotline, 763-4726 It s Our Lucky 7th'Birthiday ande dLike to Say: Thank'9ou U o 9 L FOR THE PAST 7 YEARS YOU'VE MADE US ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE CHINESE RESTAURANTS! TO CELEBRATE OUR 7TH BIRTHDAY, WE'RE THROWING A PARTY AND GIVING YOU A GIFT! IFROM NOW UNTIL DECEMBER 22nd, JUST BRING YPSILANTI PLASMA CENTER 813 W. 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