Page 10 - ThePhoenix1996-97

Thursday, September 5,1996 - Page 10 FEATURES TOTH attracted the crowds over the summer months The Baltimore Ravens weren't the only professional team to enjoy a successful summer on campus. In fact, Theatre on the Hill (TOTH) closed its best season ever, according to TOTH Producer Ira Domser. "I think we even might have outdrawn the football team on some nights," said Domser, associate professor of theatre and production. "For closing night of 'The Secret Garden' it was only the second time in 15 years on the Hill that we've had a standing room only crowd in Alumni Hall." The only other busting-at-the-seams capacity audience came to see the late Thomas P. ''Tip'' O'Neill Jr., former Speaker of the House and longtime member of Congress. For its 15th season Theatre on the Hill produced "Ruthless!" "Greater Tuna" and "The Secret Garden." The cast also presented an original adaptation of ''The Princess and the Pea" for children and the late night "Post Show Revue" after the Saturday main show. "Greater Thna," Domser said, consistently sold out the smaller, downstairs Dorothy Elderdice Theatre, while "Ruthless!" and "The Secret Garden," also drew large crowds to the Mainstage. "The Princess and the Pea," which involved children from the audience, too, was always a hit with families, he added. The productions included current and former students, including Ryan Keough '99, who also played the lead in last year's student production of "Pippin' ." Also, Rob McQuay '84, who Domser calls one of the best actors ever at WMC, gave a stirring performance as Archibald in "The Secret Garden." "I had people come up to me after the show and later in town to tell me that 'The Secret Garden' was the best production they had ever seen here," Domser continued. "It was a great season, one of those seasons when you hate to see it end." Other WMCers involved in the season on stage or behind the scenes were: Dara Breitkopf '95 MA; William duPont Jr. '96; Andrew Grimm '94; Eric Lyga '97; Charles Neal, associ- ate professor of political science and interdisciplinary studies; Anthony Rosas '94; Carolyn Roush '96; Josh Selzer '87, arts manager; Denise Umland '90; R. Reid wraase '93; and Steven Zumbrun '92. Talent agent Syll'ia St. Croix, (Charlie Smith of Frederick), discusses stardomfame and fortune with Tina Denmark (Allison Weiner of Owings Mills) in "Ruthless!" the opening show in Theatre on the Hill's 1996 season. The TOTH production war the Baltimore-area premiere of this musical farce about a starry-eyed third grader with talent, a big smile and lI'ay too much ambition Ravens right at home Joshua Perilo, left, and Ray Ficca, right, played the bickering Vera Carp and Aunt Pearl, as well as more than 20 other loony citizens of Tuna, Texas in "Greater Tuna." The Theatre on the over the summer at WMC Hillproduction of this huge off-Broadway smash comedy consistently packed Dorothy Elderdice Theatre in Alumni Hali this summer. Cyclists used the Hill as a home away from home WMC was the summer home of the Baltimore Ravens. Pictured above is Art Modell, Ravens owner; Nancy Willis, Delegate; John T Willis, Secretory of State of Maryland; Roscoe Bartlet,6th District Congressman; Ken Yowan, Mayoro/Westminster; President Bob Chambers; WMC was right in the path I . way across Maryland. The Richard Yates, Carroll County Commissioner; Jack Lyburn, Director a/Economic Development CAM-Tour guests turned the quad into campgrounds and the tennis court fence into a clothes for Carroll County. All were participants in the Ravens' welcoming ceremonies held on July '21. line during their overnight rest at WMC this summer.