The Nineteen Eighties
1980-81
The 1980s of the University Theatre began with a celebration of the department’s Golden Anniversary. Recognizing 50 years of continuous, solid contributions to the local and national theatrical scene, the University Theatre prepared an exciting season of plays, 
including Skin of Our Teeth by Thornton Wilder featuring work by three alumni: Jon Cranney directed and Shirley Venard and David Chase played Mrs. and Mr. Antrobus. A Slight Ache and The Real Inspector Hound directed by Pam Nice in the Arena followed. Tales of the Vienna Woods made its area premiere in the Proscenium with wonderful projected backgrounds designed by Brian Bjorklund as part of his MFA design thesis project. All three of these productions were entered in the ACTF as associate productions, making their nominated actors eligible for the Irene Ryan acting competition. The fall workshop was two one-acts written by graduate student Endesha Ida Mae Holland: Second Doctor Lady and The Reconstruction of Dossie Ree Hemphill in the Experimental. The latter would be taken to the mainstage in the 1981-82 season.
We hosted the regional ACTF in Rarig early in winter quarter and produced another area premiere, the lively romp No, No Nanette in February. Directed by Robert Moulton and designed by Lance Brockman, the production featured a wonderful Erté-based show curtain, dancing staircases, and the tapping feet of Laura-Jean Schwartau, David I., Stephen Savides, Manon Gimlett, and a chorus of thousands. YPUT produced the wonderful A. A. Milne play Toad of Toad Hall. And the winter workshop was Love at Sea, an ancient Japanese tale of two lovers caught up in a world of deceit in the Experimental. In March the University Theatre were featured on KSTP’s Matrix television program.
Spring quarter offered Camino Real directed by MFA Lawrence Connelly in the Thrust with MFA Rachel Tomasek Anderson’s designs and Serenading Louie played the Arena, with another MFA team of Lorraine G. Scott directing and Jonathan Langer designing.
Summer saw the much anticipated return of Frank M Whiting to direct Hazel Kirke on the Minnesota Centennial Showboat. “Doc” had been Captain of the Showboat from 1958-1974 and directed all productions during that time period. Dr. Josal returned as scene designer and Lance Brockman designed the lighting that summer (the first and last time he designed lights for the Boat). The Peppermint Tent delighted children with Androcles and the Lion and the Razzamtazz Touring Co. in the Stoll Thrust directed by Mark Amenta. Dr. Josal began his 6 year term as chair of the department. Laura (Hunstad) Lee joined the staff for an 8-year stint in a variety of assistful jobs to the Managing Director and the Chair.
