Theatre UAF celebrates 50 years

Submitted by Marmian Grimes
Phone: (907) 474-7902
11/23/05

On Dec. 2, 1955, Lee H. Salisbury opened his first play at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Fifty years later, to the day, Theatre UAF will mark its 50th anniversary with a celebration and the opening of its newest production, a collection of Anton Chekhov’s works entitled, "Four Farces and a Funeral."

The play begins at 8:15 p.m. on Dec. 2 in the Lee H. Salisbury Theatre. A reception will immediately follow in the Great Hall. A slide show will run before and after the play. In addition, Theatre UAF will recognize Salisbury for his contributions to Alaska theater.

Salisbury’s first UAF play was John Van Druten’s "Bell, Book and Candle." It was staged in Signers’ Hall, which at the time served as the campus gymnasium. After each night’s performance, the entire set had to be removed, including lights and stage, to make way for ROTC drills in the morning. The show was a hit and marked the beginning of Salisbury’s long and illustrious career.

From such humble beginnings, the UAF Theatre Department emerged. It has been known by many names since its early days as the University of Alaska Drama Workshop. Similarly, its productions had many theatrical stages, including Signers’ Hall and Schaible Auditorium. The Fine Arts Complex was built in 1970, giving Theatre UAF a permanent home on the UAF campus.

"Four Farces and a Funeral" will be performed Dec. 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 8:15 p.m., and Dec. 4 and 11 at 2 p.m. Tickets will be available beginning Nov. 28 in the Theatre UAF Box Office, (907) 474-7751, or at Hoitt’s Music. Advance tickets are $11 for general admission, $9 for military/seniors and UAF faculty/staff and alumni, and $5 for students.

CONTACT: UAF Public Information Officer Marmian Grimes at (907) 474-7902 or via e-mail at marmian.grimes@uaf.edu. Maya Salganek at (907) 474-6590 or via e-mail at maya@alaska.edu.

ON THE WEB: www.uaf.edu/theatre/season/

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