June 27, 2003 Feature Story
Old
Lyric Repertory Company’s 37th Season Has Begun
 The
Caine Lyric Theatre in downtown Logan at 28 West Center Street
has come alive with actors, technicians and patrons for another
summer of live theatre. The Old Lyric Repertory Company has
kicked off its 37th season of theatrical entertainment, and
this season sports five shows in place of the usual four playing
in repertory through Aug. 9.
The Old Lyric Repertory Company is the professional summer
theatre program offered by Utah State University's Department
of Theatre Arts and the College of Humanities, Arts and Social
Sciences.
" We're excited about the talent we lined up to produce
this entertaining and substantial bill of plays, and we look
forward to a season of summer fun," said OLRC Artistic
Director Colin Johnson. "As always, we look forward to
seeing our loyal patrons, along with new audience members, this
summer, joining us in the comfort of our refurbished theatre
where you can see five hot shows in one cool place."
 On
Golden Pond by Ernest Thompson kicked off the season and
is directed by Terence Goodman, a 2003 guest director and former
master's degree student in the department of theatre arts at
Utah State. On Golden Pond is the heartfelt story of
an older couple's struggle to face the aging process. W. Vosco
Call, long time theatre arts faculty member and OLRC founder,
is featured as Norman Thayer in the production.
Herald Journal theater critic Bruce Ackerman said
in his review, "The Old Lyric Repertory Company borrows
some powerful thrust for the launch of its 37th season from
the considerable talents of company founder W. Vosco Call. ...
The Old Lyric's witty rendition of the ornery octogenarian is
well complemented by a supporting cast of competent players.
The show sets a standard for the season that, if met by ensuing
productions, will reward playgoers for their patronage all summer
long."
 The
season's next production is a repeat of the popular musical
comedy Forever Plaid, a work presented in a previous
season. The production, which opened June 19, is directed by
Johnson and features the return of Lee Daily from the original
OLRC cast.
"Forever Plaid is a silly show based on a silly
premise, but only in the best sense of the word," Johnson
said. On the way to its first gig, the singing group, "The
Plaids," is killed in a tragic car accident. The premise
proves the old adage true — the show does go on, despite
the absence of life.
Forever Plaid is by Stuart Ross.
 The
third production in the lineup is Sylvia by A.R. Gurney,
directed by Adrianne Moore. It opens Thursday, July 3. Mid-life
angst, a skeptical wife and a new pet become bones of contention
for a New York couple in this contemporary production. In a
marital triangle, the dog brought home doesn’t just bring
her dish ... she is a dish!
"The OLRC is tossing the audience a bone with this comedy,"
said Johnson.
 The
Murder Room, by Jack Sharked and directed by Lynda Linford,
is number four in the rotation and opens Thursday, July 10.
A mystery with a secret ending, The Murder Room also
supplies an element of farcical comedy to the suspense.
Finally, a fifth production is added to the 2003 schedule,
Johnson said. Taking the stage for the final week of the summer
season is The Last Train to Nibroc by Arlene Hutton.
Also co-directed by Johnson, this play has a week-long run that
concludes OLRC's 37th year. The play's performances are scheduled
Aug. 6–9.
Tickets are currently available, including OLRC's convenient
Flex-Pass option. A Flex-Pass season subscription includes five
coupons to any evening performance of choice (subject to ticket
availability). Pricing and ticket information is available by
calling (435) 797-0305 or visiting www.usu.edu/lyric.
Tickets can be purchased at the Smith Spectrum ticket office
on the Utah State campus or at the Caine Lyric one hour prior
to performances.
Brochures are available by calling (435) 797-3046. For general
inquiries call (435) 797-1500. The OLRC public relations office
promises more details on special promotional offers, contests
and Web-exclusive deals. Visit the site at www.usu.edu/lyric.
*Photos by USU Photography Service.
Contact: Jeremy Gordon (435) 797-1500 [gordonj@hass.usu.edu]
Colin Johnson (435) 797-3046[Colin.Johnson@usu.edu]
Writer: Jeremy Gordon
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