Newsroom

CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State University Theatre will present "Fainting Beaver Follies," an all-new family-friendly variety show, April 29-30 and May 5-7 at 7:30 p.m. and May 1 at 2 p.m.

This unique production runs on the Withycombe main stage located at 30th and Campus way on the OSU campus.

"Fainting Beaver Follies" is an original collection of novelty acts, comic sketches, musical numbers and dance interludes produced in the style of classic early 20th-century American vaudeville. From the late 19th century through the 1930s, vaudeville was the primary form of theatrical entertainment in the United States and performers of all types crisscrossed the country on the vaudeville circuit, bringing a wide range of talents to American communities.

Some of the biggest American television and film stars of the 20th century, including the Marx Brothers, W.C. Fields, Judy Garland and Fred Astaire, started their careers in vaudeville houses.

"Fainting Beaver Follies" recreates the spirit and flair of classic vaudeville while featuring a wide range of talents from OSU students and Corvallis community members. Director and theatre arts professor Marion Rossi approached the project to bring this American form of family entertainment to the OSU campus and to give students the experience of devising.

"Like true vaudevillians the cast and crew of 'Fainting Beaver Follies' have worked diligently to create, develop and hone their acts," Rossi said. "Some students came with acts largely developed; for most we have worked together to invent and develop them."

This production features a wide range of acts including vintage comic sketches, classic American songs, ballet, opera, novelty acts, and much more.

"One of the greatest things about vaudeville as entertainment is that if you don't like what you're seeing just wait 10 minutes because something completely different is going to come along soon," Rossi said.

Tickets are $12 general, $10 senior, $8 student/youth, $5 OSU student and are available at http://oregonstate.edu/dept/theatre. For information call 541-737-2784.