Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Richar 8 Toj Coli I.:I Savo Savannah, a soft-rock group % an acoustic sound will be in the weekend. Savannah will be: and Saturda from 8:00 until 11 TO BE m Reg Betwee? will be Pre -ad vist indical Call your pre -em I Harris p.m. tight seum ree nnah In Th hich specializes in Savannfah is SGolden Spur this area and have in the Spur Friday other places. :30. University ID. ATTHER Pre-advisem ~istration is an enom if you act now. t November 8 and N< held in all departrn and be guarenteed ~ment will allow des ed. advisor today. Makc eoliment "Madwor A Group BY AARON MEDLOCK "Nothing is ever so wrong in this world that a sensible woman can't set right in the course of an af ternoon." --Countess Aurelle The Madwoman of Chaillot . Jean Giraudoux's "The Mad woman of Chaillot" is currently being staged by the University of South Carolina Theatre and was reviewed at the dress rehearsel prior to Wednesday's opening. Countess Aurelie, the Mad Spur a well known group in the Columbia played in the Campus Club, among Admission is free but bring your EGISTRA ,ent and Pre-eT rtous hassle, but yov >vember 21, preadii ents. You can now 2 a spot in the sectic wartmnents to plan fo e an appointment f< aan" Ente: f "Superb woman of Chaillot, is the sensible woman who saves Paris and well the world from faceless men with gelatin eyes who don't wrinkle or perspire and who marry manikins from shop windows. One of these men, a prospector, believes oil t o exist under Paris and he sells the ides to others of his kind who decide to destroy Paris and use the discovered oil to make war. The Madwoman of Chaillot learns of this but doesn't believe it until a ragpicker explains to her that life has changed; that every cabbage needs a pimp to bs sold and that pigeons stopped flying years ago. They walk. Outraged, the madwoman sets her trap for revenge. At a mock trial it is ruled that these men are .guilty of crimes against humanity and a sentence of extermination is delivered for the madwompn to carry out. She complies in an entertaining fnanner. The current production is directed by Dr. Kay Bethea. Susan-Lynn Johns playing Countess Aurelie, the Madwoman of Chaillot, gives a magnificent performance that by all means helps to save the show from its own extermination. But then, all four madwoman are cast with excellent actresses. Sandi Shakelford is delightful to watch as Gabrielle. Jan Pryor and Ann Brailsford are equally convincing as other madwomen. The four do a superb job of independent personalities working with each other. It becomes quite evident what holds the group together and why they must tolerate each others' ec centricities. Here, Dr. Bethea triumphed. Stan Ashley delivers a fine performance as the ragpicker and TIONHA ollment! can beat it next sc sement and pre-e'nr ~re-enroll for all yo' n you want. r extra sections ifca yr pre-advwnent a rtaining, 0 Zanies Jim Cox gives much vitality to the part of the sewerman. However, these strong characters are offset by a weak selection of actors and actresses in other roles. The play goes slowly during the first act. Although it is written partially this way, the inexperience or miscasting in some of the parts retards the play more. Tim Corder, as the baron creates a spectacle on stage with his continual body gyrating, eye blinking and stincking out of his tongue. This becomes annoying. The audience is forced' to watch him and it becomes all too obvious when he fumbles his lines. This was a dress rehearsel and hopefully he will overcome this problem. Harry Stockton has much talent and the finer points came out in his portrayal of the (corporate) president. Stockton's strong voice and good feel for the stage adds to the scenes he is in but un fortunately his age betrays, him and leaves the character somewhat vacant. Lighting, scenic design and costume design are up to the university theatre's usual high standards. Dr. Bethea directs fine performances in several cast members and her selection of background music greatly enhances the play. But the weakness in the some of the smaller characters and a general slow pace of action throughout the play are a detriment to its en joyment. But not so rmuch that they cannot be overcome before the play closes Saturday. The play is worth seeing if not for the madwomen's performances alone. &SLE: >mester wr major