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IPFW Department of Theatre presents
"Auntie Mame" By Patrick Dennis Directed by Larry L. Life "Life is a banquet..." It seems to me only appropriate, as we open our 33rd season, to use Auntie Mame's philosophy. It embodies the spirit and intent of our theatre department: Life has indeed been a banquet at the PFW Department of Theatre, at least for my 28 of those 33 years. Much of the excitement and beauty of that banquet is due to the commitment of all of the students, faculty, staff, and community volunteers who have given so generously of their time and talent to make the IPFW Department of Theatre the prestigious department and production program that it is today. Auntie Mame is truly the embodiment of what our program is about -- the nurturing and developing of people. Our program seeks, as does Mame, to open minds to all of the great thoughts and ideas of the universe -- as Mame puts it, "I'm going to open doors for you. Doors you never dreamed existed. Theatre at its best should attempt to "...take the braces off of brains," and "Open new windows. As theatre artists and educators, it should be that to which we aspire. Aspirations should not be limited only to our students, but should be directed to our audiences. We attempt to give you, our audience, the highest-quality product, while giving the production personnel a thorough and intense knowledge of the theatrical process. We are very proud of our students and their accomplishments, both during and after their tenure with us at the university. I have ad many audience members tell me how much they enjoy latching students develop and grow from production to production. I personally feel the theatre students at IPFW are the most dedicated of any students I have taught. Many of our majors hold down full-time jobs, take classes during the day, and attend three-hour rehearsals nightly, Monday through Friday. This is another reason why I feel it appropriate that we are opening our 1998-99 season with Auntie Mame. It features the work of the majority of our majors, both onstage and off. Also, the opening night features a Gala and Celebrity Auction, with all proceeds going to the Theatre Scholarship Fund, which will help offset the cost of our students' education. As a play, Auntie Mame has long been a great favorite of mine. This marks my third time directing it. It is a piece that is always a joy to return to, rediscover, and share with actors and audiences. On behalf of all of our students, faculty, staff, and community volunteers, I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for your attendance and support of our theatre program and to wish for you a life that is one continuous "banquet." Larry L. Life, Chair/Artistic Director Department of Theatre
In the Spotlight
Featuring Invited Community Guest Artist Melissa Long and Jacob Dahm A native of Fort Wayne, Melissa Long is a graduate of DePauw University. She has worked in local radio and television stations for 17 years and is currently the 5 and 10 p.m. news anchor for WPTA-TV Long is currently a member and on the board of directors for Audiences Unlimited Inc., and a member and on the advisory board for Study Connection. She has hosted "Unplugged" concerts for the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, and has also narrated for the Philharmonic Children's Concerts. Long is no stranger to the stage, having performed in Laura, Come Blow Your Horn, and Wait Until Dark. At IPFW, she has entertained audiences in Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean; Oh Dad, Poor Dad; Mama's Hung You in the Closet and I'm Feeling So Sad; and L'Histoire du Soldat and On Broadway with IPFW and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. When Long is not in the public eye, she spends her time at home with her husband, Sen. David C. Long, and her two sons, Adam, 11, and Erik, 6. Jacob Dahm Cast
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