- JoIVI Raddlffe "Shenandoah," Harding's 1981 homecoming play, mark· ed a return to the traditional musical after a year of experimenting with a Shakespear· ean comedy. The two·act play presented before two full houses in the Benson Auditorium also spot. lighted the homecoming of Academy teacher Ray Wright to the University stage. Many years ago Wright acted as a col· legiate thespian in such produc· tions as "Harvey" and ''The Silver Whistle." With a cast of 38, trimmed from the 85 who auditioned, the play depicted a strong·willed Virginia farmer, played by Wright, and his unsuccessful at· tempt to keep his family neutral during the Civil War. Charles Parker, assistant pro· fessor of speech, directed "Shenandoah." He said, "I had a good working relationship with the cast. The actors listened and then did what I asked of them. In most cases, they even went beyond what I suggested and used their own inventiveness. I appreciate an actor whp doesn't just lean on the director, but searches out his character and makes the role himself." The character roles and choreography were harder for some to learn. But, by taking time to work out even the smallest prOblems and helping each other out, "Shenandoah" was a success. Mr. Parker said, ''This play was probably much stronger than previous plays because we had a strong bench. By that I mean that there weren"t any weak supporting characters. The performances overall were very good. It was a r"al challenge for us to find out what we could do and then begin to believe that we would do it.'· "Shenandoah" carried a message to the audience. This message was not necessarily the same for each individual. The main focus of the play was on Charlie Anderson. His experience showed that it is good to have ideals and convictions. and live by them. Parker said, "I have heard on· Iy positive responses about the play. The whole show seemed to have a good impact. It was moving and meaningful, and everyone talked about our 'good bunch of performers.' .. "Shenandoah" made the 1981 Homecoming a special one to remember. Joe Aaron summed up all the enthusiasm when he said, "It was the first time I remember a homecoming play get a standing ovation. My mother even went to see it two ,.. A'< Ice. ... - Suzanne Johnston, Jimmy Allen - Shawn llJggeU Plays·39
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