Viking_Yearbook_57

BAT" Cornelia Van Gorder . Miss Dale Ogden . Lizzie Allen . Billy . Detective Anderson . Richard Fleming . Brooks . Doctor Wells Reginald Beresford Unknown Man . William McAnallen . Dr. Gaupp "Enter the unknown." A mysterious stranger staggers into the Van Gorder liv­ Ing room. Tensions are strained to the breaking point as Miss Van Gorder shouts, "Oh lookey, there he goes, the Bat." ~ The detective makes his point emphatic, "I accuse you of murder." Homecoming Week saw the opening of the Port­ land State Theatre season with the production of Mary Roberts Rhinehart's mystery thriller, The Bat. Reflecting something of both the spirit and settings of the early 1920's, this delightful presentation com­ bined ::Ill of the elements of a suspenseful murder mystery with a sprightly touch of satirical comedy to capture the fascination of the audience from the opening curtain. Special mention should be made of the fine per­ formance of Polly Gaupp, who stepped into the role of Cornelia van Gorder after a regrettable accident h::ld prevented Miss Carlene Johnson from carrying on in that challenging role. Excellent staging coupled with precise lighting and sound added grea tly to the suspense-filled climax which concluded this spirited production. As a forerunner of things to come, The Bat prom­ ised a warm reception for Portland State Theatre's future endeavors. 177