The gamecock. (Columbia, S.C.) 1908-2006, December 06, 1985, Page 7, Image 7
~ Thigpen pre
By MARY JO MILLER
Staff writer
His church is a cavernous
theatre on Assembly Street, his
vestments arc weather-stained
.3 '
ucmm, ana ms sermons are oneand
two-act dramas and comedies
that have little to do with
God, but don't be misled ? Jim
Thigpcn says he's bringing a
4P> gospel of sorts to Columbia.
"Being involved in theater in
South Carolina is like
evangelism," Thigpen said,
sprawled on the floor of his
theater. "No one's a theater person
in this part of the country.
It's like preaching the gospel
every day. I'm trying to tell peo^1*.
?I I-.. ? ' "
civ, ncy, mis is neai. YOU ought
to give it a chance.'"
Because Thigpen wants
everyone, especially college
students, to give live theatre a
chance, he and his wife Kay have
started a mom-and-pop theater
named Trustus.
Trustus, housed in The Beat's
former location on Assembly
Street, was chosen by the
Thigpens for its location and its
casual setting.
Movie screen:
Rv STFPHPU r mill cnvi c
? I w.Mf ?!? w. HVibl WILL
Staff writer
Many adventure movies are pla
^ around town, and this guide is <
moviegoers some help in deciding
their ticket dollars.
"King Solomon's Mines." The
make this movie seem like a ripoff
the Lost Ark."
It is.
It stars Richard Chamberlain
adventurer named Quartermain, wl
brim hat and tan pants.
There is a sccne in "Raiders" ir
Jones climbs under a moving truck;
a train. Jones also used his whip t?
truck; this movie has a chain dai
caboose. But the closeups aren't doi
can see the lines of the bluescreen <
The fellow who played Sallah,
Egyptian friend, also happens to b
but as a bad guy. John Rhys-Ds
Turkish crime lord who wants the tr<
friends in the German army. He w
"Raiders," and he deserves better 1
' J
I,
Grand 0
Tuesd;
ALL S'
FREE
WZL
CASH
Stop In
|| of the NEVH
OL
COLUMBIA'S MOS
furniture pact
I. 12 ft.
"state o
over 25
f 211 MAIN STREET
aches gospel
"Wc wanted a place where
people would be relaxed, but we
didn't want California," Thigpen
said. "Wc didn't want bean
sprouis and pita bread hanging
around the place. On the other
hand, 1 didn't everybody pinched
in fur coats and a 'Bravo, bravo!'
atmosphere."
^Thigpen has been trying to
escape the theatrical stereotype
? little old ladies in mink coats
yelling "Bravo" ? for most of
his career.
His escape route has taken him
to standup comedy and soap
operas in New York, teaching
stints at the University of South
Carolina and Spring Valley High
School, and a stint as the president
of Workshop Theatre in
Columbia.
Thigpcn is optimistic that his
contacts in Columbia and New
York theater will allow him to bring
to the state a caliber of
theater he thinks is lacking in
South Carolina.
"There are lots of good theater
groups in town, and they all appeal
to certain segments of our
s feature hits
Some good film
movie ticket, how
lying in theaters "Target. " Gem
iesigned to give an endearing tean
I how to spend love each other thi
ing Hackman's pa
advertisements someone in his pi
of "Raiders of kidnapped, and tl
her.
The plot is one
as an African and Dillon's chai
ho wears a wide about his father's
lust and blasting
1 which Indiana violence and sex a
; this movie uses "Starchaser: 77
o hang onto the story has (treat an
rigling after the dimensions. The i
tie well, and you audience, the way
jffect. years back, but to
Indiana Jones' The plot is pretl
e in this movie, It runs along the 1
ivies stars as a town kid making
easure, as do his has a sword hilt th
as very good in the hilt ? as use
than this. without the blade.
PEKING CELE
iy, December 10,
10 am - 6 pm
rUDENTS INV1
HAMBURG!
& HOT DOC
D ONLOC^
for PHRSMflL TO
rLf itcriUVfllEP VI
?D WHflLEY'S MILL
T EXCITING UNIQUE
:age ? security ? swimi
ceilings ? 9 ft. window
sleep & study lofts
if the art" heating & cool
floor plans of 1, 2 & 3 1
COLUMBIA, SOUTH (
(803) 254-7801
ts from California Dreamii
of theater
society," Thigpen said. "I feel
the void in town is off-Broadway,
Greenwich Village theater."
To fill the void, Thigpen plans
to produce a different show each
month. And Thigpen's repertoire
promises 10 oe a change from the
usua! Columbia theater fare.
"We're trying to get the rights
to a play dealing with AIDS, for
instance. We're not here to
shock, but we want to do good
theater that no one else is doing,"
Thigpen said.
Trustus' November production
of Extremities, a harsh drama
Hfalinn uii'li 1
.v?....5 nun iapc, upcnca lo
favorable reviews. If Thigpen can
duplicate that success with his
future productions, he may well
convert Columbians to his
message of theater.
"Live theater, like live music
or comedy, is the ultimate in
entertainment," Thigpen said.
"It's more fun. And when it's
good, live theater can make you
cry harder and laugh harder than
the movies and TV. I want
everyone to give it a chance just
once and they'll see."
and misses
is can be found that are worth a $5
'ever.
j Hackman and Matt Dillon make
1 as a father and son who learn to
rough a series of mishaps concernist.
He was once a CIA agent, and
ist is seeking revenge. His wife is
le two embark for Europe to find
of revelation to both the audience
racter, as the son doesn't know
past. This is a movie full of love,
I machine guns, although the
ire kept under control.
He Legend of Orin in 3-D." This
imation and is wonderful in three
dea is not to throw spears at the
they did in "Comin' at Ya" a few
' entertain.
ty basic for a science-fiction film.
"Star Wars" theme of the smallit
big by saving the galaxy. Orin
lat he has to find a blade for, but
d by Orin ? can sometimes cut
? owl <w?i ?? fmt ?*?? ??? . ' 1 ?
' Uv --W MW?' *?.? * > Is, - W' I i'U
<
:BRflTION
1985
[TED
^DC
vl\0
is
iTION
NGS
(IRS I
) YEAR I
APARTMENTS
ming pool
s
ing
BR
CAROLINA 29201
ig
The Affordable
Solutions for a
New Car.
I AlmtiXX I
PA four-passenger, two-door hatchback | ;
Very economical and easy handling
$399Qroj
:ible sportscar. or < Bjl
suspension ff
st drive py^ |
MIM.I ?ne f0aay]- BERTONE
Dick Dyer Yugo/Bertone
r 3^^ jl ^ji I E 1L _ 1 jL wS
1^ ^ SL, ib
- ' ' ^--A... . ; .. . j
MMg^gr >, jM
B Bsky,,
mj %
T5;-v'~"^^'^i^;-^"-;-ESfe^swj-''" ' /' .?**^i53lH^^Ky^B^^89BHHHl^H8vRsE9llii^^^lfl?85I^^BG^^ESEifiM3KSl
IroliSi ISm'
WM
JL JLs soon as you get a job^you could The Card can help you begin to
get the American Express? Card. establish your credit history. And, for
If you're a senior, all you need is business, the Card is invaluable for
to accept a $10,000 career-oriented 10b. travel and restaurants. As well as shop
That's it. No strings. No gimmicks. (And ping for yourself.
even if you don't nave a job right now, Of course, the American Express
don't w;nrr\; Thic? ir. ? 1 -
- .oouii yuuu upiu ^aro is recognized around the world.
12 months after you graduate.) Why is So you are too
American Express making it easier for So call 1-800-THE-CARD and
you to get the Card right now? _? , ask to have a Special Student
Well, simply stated, we be- Application sent to you. Or look
lieveinyour future. And as vou 1 _ ; for one on campus.
go up the ladder, we can help? ft j-ue jKjftssoob*] The American Express Card.
in a lot of ways. |"~ ? Don't leave school without it.SM
C* W Ammiin T?*vd R/U*nt Sov?? ( |r?