October 21, 1969
The N. C. Essay
Page 3
Rev i Ew
DONLEY
from Page I)
The success of Mr. Roberts is
probably due to one huge love affair
between the play's cast and its di
rector. Certainly Barry Boys in
stilled something into the people who
were a part of this production,
because they took what is today a
rather trite and worn play and trans
formed it into something of vibrancy,
wit, and charm. It was, in all
aspects, a stunning production.
The plot concerns life aboard
a ship during World War II. But
this is no ordinary ship. The crew
has not seen battle and except for
their cargo captain (Mr. Roberts)
they do not particularly care to.
They have a captain who has a fettish
for palm trees. The basic drama un
folds as Roberts continually con
fronts the tyrannical captain. Along
the way, the play manages to make
subtle anti-war statements.
The three main characters in
this play were simply superb. I’ve
heard a lot about David Wood, who
played Mr. Roberts; now I'm a believer.
His sense of style was completely
professional and his understanding
of the character never in doubt. He
was in complete control all the way;
he is a damn fine actor. David
Sutor, cast as Roberts'- roommate and
alter-ego, was also outstanding. He
was excellent support for Roberts and
their relationship was brought off
well. As the captain, Gary Beach
turned in a fine character portrayal.
His voice and mannerisms were perfect.
What was so remarkable about each of
these actors' performances is that
none ever slipped into the trap of
overdoing anything. Boys' directing
ability shows up here, as there is
potential for this play to slip into
sentimentality and sloppiness. It
never happened and these three deserve
much credit.
Another excellent portrayal was
given by Randall Rickman as the ship's
doctor. He was steady and even
throughout. But what really made
this a fine presentation was the ob
vious desire on the part of the whole
cast to keep the pace moving through
out. The entire cast was outstanding.
Credit also should be given to the
stage crews who pulled off several
difficult scene changes quickly with
out slowing down the action.
But when it all comes down to it,
the one man probably most responsible
for the success of this play was Barry
Boys. It was something you could
almot feel going through the cast, a
driving obsession not to let this man
doxm. He obviously has given them
incentive, and their desire to give
him a high-level performance in re
turn was fully apparent* That is a
rare occurrence, and I'm sure it will
be remembered for quite sometime.
"Hats off" - to the captain and crew
of Mr. Roberts.
by MIke Fergu son
Imagining Dortch as the brutish
Stanley. Ron's speech and actions
simply did not seem to characterize
the nature of the man.
A STREETCAR
by Mike Ferguson
Very few directors would attempt
what Bob Murray did in his production
of Tennessee Williams' powerful drama,
A Streetoccr Named Destrgjpresented at
NCSA on Tuesday and Friday of last
week. Murray had Ron Dortch, a Negro,
play the part of Stanley Kowalski,
the brawling, animalistic male lead.
But Murray's innovation was a
staggering success, as Dortch ex
ecuted a realistic and convincing per
formance.
The play is a devastating emo
tional experience which depicts
lower middle class in New Orleans,
and the relationship between Stanley
and his wife, Stella. Their life is
interrupted by a visit from Blanche,
Stella's weak, sexually hung-up
sister. Murray's version lost little
of the play's intense tradition. In
fact, his production was one of the
most emotionally exhausting experiences
I've witnessed.
While Dortch's overall per
formance was certainly top-notch, it
took some time for this viewer to
acclamate to a Negro as Stanley. But
once his character was established,
Dortch was in full control. In the
early moments, I had difficulty
He soon overcame this difficulty,how
ever, and proceeded to turn in a
smooth and honest portrayal of
Williams' legendary character.
Dortch was not alone in his fine
Interpretation. Jill Voigt, cast as
Blanche, was exceptional. Like Dortch
she had soitie difficulty establishing
(Cont. on Fage 5)
from P. I)
Will Liliom be the Schools entry
in this year's College Theater Festi
val? Bob Murray isn't sure. The
play has twenty-eight characters in it
Taking it to the Festival would mean
cutting the cast to 17 and doubling
up roles on actors. The School's
entry could be one of the "works in
progress" (^'d like to take Streetaai]'
Murray Smiled) or a work that hasn't
even been conceived yet.
"Who knows", he said, "We may
not even enter this year".
Litiom auditions will be held
this week. The production will open
just before Thanksgiving holidays,
Nov. 21 and 22., and will continue
Dec. 2,3,4,5, and 6.
fCon
He also records Books for the
Blindiand is currently cutting a
record.
He performs a one-man show
called Eow to be an Ancestor which
he has constructed from his own
material, and is writing a book on
the theater.
He taught acting at Denver Uni
versity last year. This year he will
be teaching college junior and senior
Acting majors.
Mr. Donley lives in Croton-on-
the Hudson, New York, is married, and
has three children.
LoRE^Do Reports Hn N.Y.C.B.
BALANCHINE CLASS
ORG -A N rZ FD
To the surprise of everyone,
former NCSA dancer. Cam Lorendo,
visited the school last week. Cam
recently joined the New York City
Ballet and in an interview talked
of his first impressions of the
company.
The company takes a ballet class
six times a week. Mr. Balanchine, the
artistic director, teaches four of
them while Francia Russell, the
ballet mistress, conducts two.
Cam had only taken two classes
when he came to Winston-Salem. He
told of how each dancer is warmed up,
ready to go when Mr. "B" comes in.
The class is short but rough, said
Cam with a laugh. "For instance,
thirty-two tendus each position
after plies, or eight grand batt-
ments en crois then repeat on half
point". He also stated, "everyone
looks good tool"
"As a whole it's a fantastic
company and many are very friendly and
helpful. I'm very excited and still
can't believe i'm actually in the
, New York City Ballet."
Cam could only stay two days
because he has been cast in several
ballets. "The rehearsals are so or
ganized and thorough", he stated.
It was a restful and enjoyable
trip for Cam and an inspiring visit
. for dancers aspiring to be pros.
The first drive-in movie in
Japan will open Nov. 1 with
accommodations for 150 automobiles.
The theater is part of a recreation
center to include a bpwling alley,
restaurants and a gas station.