'Waywa
(Continued from Page 8)
surroundings are an important part of
the atmosphere being set for the per-
formance. As the lead character,
Harlequino, explains in his opening
speech, it is a simple set, but the actors
and their message is the real concern.
In a capsule, "A Company of
Wayward Saints" is the story of a
Commedia Dell 'Arte acting company
stranded far from home who meet a
Duke who agrees to pay their expenses
for a trip home. In return, the Duke
wants the company to perform an im-
provisational play about the "History of
Man."
The plot develops as the actors
struggle with the task of packing the en-
tire history of man into one short play.
To further complicate matters, the ac-
tors begin to argue among themselves
over personal pride and bruised egos.
The result leads the actors and the
audience to realize things about them-
selves, others, and the whole of
mankind.
Commedia Dell 'Arte is an im-
provisational acting style dating back
to the sixteenth century. The play
makes interesting use of the style so
that the audience is watching a perfor-
mance of the Commedia Dell'Arte
company attempting to perfoirm the
play set before them.
There is a thin line between the two
performances, with references to the
modern day world and the actual play
being presented, that holds the audien-
'Archie'
axed
New York (AP)- A trend of less
comedic material in television
programming was continued yesterday
as CBS announced its new fall schedule.
Currently the network frontrunner,
CBS is relying on more 'tried and true'
shows than on new ones in order to
retain its number one spot in the
ratings.
The passing of "M-A-S-H" heralded,
it seems, the end of an era where
comedy reigned supreme. The most
notable comedic casualty this season is
Carroll O'Connor, a fixture on CBS sin-
ce 1971. There will also be a reduction to
six half-hour comedies this season,
fewer than either NBC or ABC.
Only one new comedy is airing on
CBS, namely "After M-A-S-H" starring
Harry Morgan, Jamie Farr and
William Christopher. The program
follows veterans of the 4077th as they ad-
just to civilian life after the Korean
War.
The accent in programming is shif-
ting to hour-long dramatic series. Four,
such programs are being added this fall
to CBS. Also, NBC is shifting its newly
introduced newsmagazine "Monitor"
to a slot opposite last years top-rated
show "60 Minutes".
For the last decade, especially on
CBS, comedy was king. With the
passing of shows like "M-A-S-H" and
even the long-deceased "Mary Tyler
Moore Show", we must painfully
acknowledge the dethroning.

The Michigan Daily - Thursday, May 12, 1983- Page 13
rd Saints' drama doesn't stray
ce throughout the entire play. In ad- citement is infectious and creates an Commedia instructor, ,Jerry Bennett.
dition, the improvisations that the ac- atmosphere of sheer enjoyment and George Silva, who has had preparation
tors employ are wonderfully enter- discovery. in Off-Broadway comedy, acts as stage
taining and are one of the many reasons Rick Sperling and Chip Milhizer are manager.
that "Company" is a most extraor- excellent in the lead roles but do not Performances are on May 12, 13, and
dinary performance. overlook Dale Gonzales, Sue Oleinick, 14 and at 6:30 p.m. on May 15. Tickets
Another reason for the wonderful per- Bill Egnor, Patrick Williams, Amy are $4 for adults and $3 for students and
formance is the group of actors them- Hobbs, Karmen Butterer and Sonian senior citizens. More information can
selves. Young People's Theatre is an Maurdeff who contribute special per- be obtained by calling 996-3888.
organization that works to create formances of their own that give the There is no excuse for missing this
"educational and entertaining theater play much of its appeal. truly exhilerating production that is so
experiences for youths." The actors are The production has an exceptional chock full of talent, wit, and wisdom.
young people who bring a certain zest crew behind the scenes as well. Direc- You can support the creative effort as
and energy to the stage that is seldom tor Jim Moran has had experience with well as provide an entertaining evening
seen in adult performances. Their ex- the Attic Theatre in Detroit as well as for yourself.
[ No1

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,
'
ag

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