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Page 10 ? November 28, 1984 E ntertainmen t THE GAMECOCK _ , . . ; * manage campus acl From Staff Reports Some USC students are .. ving valuable performing an important service for community. They run the committees of the Car< Union, the organization that brings lectu musical groups to campus. CPU's budget for the 84-85 year is about each of its 10 committees is chaired by a sti bie for committing that money to educations fart a I nm/in & \<iuvi luiiiMAvixi Mw^ivivtwa* THIS YEAR, CPU was allocated about USC's student activity fees, used to support t intramural sports and ali licensed cai organizations. The Cinematic Arts Committee, which a one of the largest budgets, manages a daily fi the Russell House Theatre. When USC s< Tuten was named chairman of the committer on it for 15 months, he realized the extent < sibility given him. ! uWhen you see you have that much mon think you have a lot of money to spend," he s to last nine months, and "when you've g money, you've got to be responsible.0 , . Marguerite Ippoiito, 21, is the head of series, probably the most visible of CPU's c \ -v^ ? ;, * ' HER lS'MtMnER staff brings the j Cultural Series to the Township Auditorium five-event program of jazz, music, theater, cU cultural activities. See . . . ' >; . . : ' - '< - , A showcase of musii Workshop By Ron Buchanan The building's exterior is a mixture of Federal square and Modern angle that even the darkness can't hide. The lobby resembles a comfortable country inn, but the main portion looks like a sterile hosnital w/ino The crowd is composed of middle-aged parents and teen-age children. DRESS RANGES from a three-piece suit (mine) to jeans and a sweater (the teen-ager standing across the lobby). The scent of vased carnations and greenwrapped roses wafts through the room from a table bearing gifts and congratulatory cards. In a corner stand tables with cheeses, crackers and glasses 'of chilled champagne. The opposite table bears a Hanukkah display. Through the closed doors to the sterile wing come the sounds of trumpets and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" battling violins and "Nobody Does It Better." THIS IS Columbia culture on the opening 1 night of Workshop Theatre's "Fiddler on the Roof," and the event is as entertaining as the musical. The ambitious production is an excellent choice for this company. With Joseph Stein's book, Sheldon Harnick's lyrics and Jerry Bock's music, "Fiddler" enjoyed a successful Broadway run and a 1971 filming. The story line concerns Tevye, a Russian Jew, whose life in the small village of Anatevka changes dramatically in 1905. Tevye must deal with his three eligible daughters who reject the matchmaker's ef forts and marry for love. The poor Tevye also confronts the czar's changing attitude, as the ruler's programs systematically dissolve Jewish communities. OVERALL, THE production is as diverse Ag, the opening night atmosphere. Pjhe flaws are few. Pacing occasionally CPU presid ||. By Marita Porto 11 Editor's Note: A story headlin 1 committee distressed over lacK student participation',' written "Il/ITIOC Gamecock Nov. 14 receix various complaints by CPU < || ficials. The entertainment secti would like to correct some em training while made by the story's source. the campus What do you get when you n )lina Program movies, concerts and other varii res, films and programs, according to Peter A: Carolina Program Union pr< $300,000, and dent? A lot of dedicat ident responsi- individuals. ll, cultural and| "This is the largest the union 1 been in the last few years. We very proud of the leaders who ha 22 percent of come up through CPU," Asp sa student media, "It's taken for granted everyo npus student wants more members, but we cai grow at an outstanding rate. < I $75 000 has course, we always try to meet si lm schedule at dent needs throu8h surveys, like t enior Charles one we have -iust done- We're doi 5 after serving our best," he said. if the respon- , THfc. CPU office not only dc ey* you really programming, but also gives < aid. But it has perience in leadership and busin< <&?/tfeat much skills to the students involved, A said"Our reason for existence is ICultural I Provide cultural, education fimmittrfift x" i" wailuiiai anu auciai ^lu^iaill ing while providing leadership sk ibWlfciT USC;: for stuclents involved. And aga ^ylryyw^a" we *eel that we are 11 irice and other I mission." According to Asp, the union 1 "CPU/' page 12 gone through a lot of changes in past year, but is evaluating its and its programming very well. "We do cinematic art because :al ability Theatre's 'Fiddl seems rushed as actors scamper from one scene to another without allowing a mood to develop. Voices frequently struggle with the range or intricacies of a song; sometimes the voice wins, sometimes the song. Sometimes the orchestra overpowers the singers, especially drowning out softer melodies. BUT THEN, local theaters aren't known for flawless productions. Instead, their strength is entertainment, and "Fiddler" is certainly that. David Sennema as Tevye looks more like Santa Claus than a Russian Jew, but his soft, wistful rendering of "If I Were a Rich Man" immediately establishes him as another jolly old elf personality. Sennema skillfully balances his friendly attitude toward God with his serious "on the other hand" deliberations of dying traditions. Helen Mendel appears infrequently as the matchmaker Yente and nearlv steals the show from Sennema. Her Yiddish ? the show's best ? and her grandmotherly looks immediately captivate the audience that eagerly awaits her every word. Tevye's three older daughters, played by Lauren Tripp (Tzeitel), Laura Taylor (Hodel) and Anne Richardson (Chava), provide a range of abilities. Tripp elicits strong pathos as she begs her father's permission to marry the man she loves, the poor tailor's son Motel, played by Marty Hilyer of the winning-smile-andyouthful-enthusiasm school. THE BEAUTIFUL Taylor demonstrates a meek defiance when she announces her engagement to the rebellious Perchik, portrayed by Steve Strickland. Her sad rendition of "Far from the Home I Love" as she leaves to join Perchik in Siberia saves an otherwise flat scene. Richardson, the musical's choreographer, exhibits her talents, dancing in the background lfcTevye's woeful "Little Bird." lent discusse: P' '^E'V isi- ' ;??ii !as Peter Asp lve President of CPU ,c*' provide something that movie n,e theaters can't provide off campus. " j. Our movies are inexpensive, and the atmosphere in the theater and with other students is great. We do K compete with the Columbia comno munity, but we provide something they cannot ? inexpensive movies," he said. )es ArrnDnivr Tn \? rm r /IV/VyUIXUIl^lU fl V/ V.TU IS one of the few organizations that lSP requires no membership dues and in which each individual member has .? his own commitment level. a' "CPU has something for .jj" everyone, even though you may not have a lot of time. There are plenty ' of spaces where we have a lot of 11 one-time jobs that need to be done ? especially during concerts." ' ^ And the reason for little student participation at the last CPUsponsored concert? "Mavbe neonle iust didn't know we - r ? J - --who Gene Cotton was. The disadler On the Ro As the third daughter, she destroys her father's shaky traditions when she elopes with Bielke (Robin Gottlieb), a Russian outside the faith. The cast in general exhibits an enthusiasm that keeps interest high, compensating for any weaknesses. One of the liveliest scenes occurs in the tavern after Tevye and the butcher Lazar Wolf (Si Seibert) negotiate Lata 1 s ciigdgfinciil lU I/.C11C1, II1C rousing "To Life" and dance that follow nearly bring the audience to their feet. Director Bette Herring has developed an amusing little production. Particularly admirable is her ability to handle a chorus of Jl sr v i I i programs vantage that we have is that we can't serve alcohol, but that will be changing," he said. AFTER USC'S Alcohol Task Force announces a drinking policy next semester, CPU will sponsor events where alcoholic beverages are served, Asp said. "CPU is paid for through student activities fees. We utilize them the best way we can, and probably there is more variety than most people realize," he said. According to Asp, CPU provides not only movies and concerts, but also cultural events at the Township Auditorium, the videotape monitor in the Russell House lobby, trips to New York such as the Thanksgiving excursion, and the Bowl trip. Also, short courses, art shows and sales, and lectures are provided. "We do a lot, and 1 don't think people realize exactly how much we do. We're more visible than we were one year ago, and we'll keep becoming more visible," Asp said. CPU is interested in what students want to see, their opinions, suggestions and criticisms, he said. A GENERAL union meetine will I be Feb. 5. All students are invited, even if they aren't CPU members. Programs for the next few weeks include a semi-formal ball callled "Going Out in Style" with the band Seaboard. "CPU is very proud of what is does, and as the president, I am very proud of the work they have been doing. They've done an excellent job," Asp said. of' enjoyable three dozen on a small stage already halffilled with stationary sets. HERRING'S CONTINUITY between scenes is aided by fine orchestral work under the direction of Randolph Love of Columbia College's music department. "Fiddler on the Roof" provides an excellent holiday evening's pleasure. The audience leaves the theatre humming "Sunrise, Sunset" instead of "O Holy Night." The musical runs through Dec. 9 with showtimes at 8 p.m. and a 3 p.m. matinee on the final day. pohthe Igggm? M assm M