OCR Text |
Show "· ' 11l~ THE ARTS AND EN!ERT~!JMENT ~ . . ... - ,, .,,'~'· ,,, . .. ' ' " w ... M,, .,,UNIVERSITY JOURNAL• SOt:JTH!RN UTAH t:JN(VEltSITt • MONDAY, NOVEMBER. ti, 199i ' =· ' ,,, l " ''" . '' ,,, ' ' ' I In Inaugural Evening activities. Steven and Mar; Bennion go for a spin around the dance floor (above); Reunion's Ric de Azevedo, fim Pike and Bob Engemann (from left) sing for SUUans and guests (top left); and Bennion takes the stage to sing with Pike. Concert, Ball end inaugural day Review by VERONICA GARNER JOURNAL STAPF WRITER Almost got it! Mark Houser, a junior from Pleasant Gap, Penn., and an acting/directing major, attempts to pull an abscessed tooth from P,f. Rockwell's mouth. These two played a scene from 'The Good Doctor. ' which was part of the Inaugural Talent Showcase, held here Thursday. Rockwell is the box office manager for the theatre department. BEAUTIFUL BRIDAL JEWELRY AT THE BEST PRICES Located inside The Bridal Center 946 Sunset Blvd. • Suite M • St. George (435) 688-1314 Jon Parke Graduate Gemologist (GIA) Kristy Goodrich-Parke Graduate Gemologist (GIA) Th e launching of the second century of Southern Utah University served as an eventfilled day for all in attendance. What better way to end such a great day, than with a truly entertaining evening? The return of the comedy juggling duo, the Raspyni Brothers, who dazzled crowds during last year's Centennial Gala, did it again during their performance at the Inaugural Concert/Ball held Friday night. In their act, the two juggled such things as garden weasels, balls, machetes, bowling pins, and knives. The duo's dry wit and breathtaking stunts mesmerized the audience. The Raspyni Brothers' final act of the evening was the death defying act of juggling six sharp machetes while balancing a spinning ball on a stick held in their mouths, and twirling hoops around their legs. The death defying act was for President Steven D. Bennion, who was volunteered to stand in the middle of the stage while the duo tossed the machetes to one another. "Don't worry, if you get scared, just close your eyes, that's what we do," Barry Raspyni said to a nervous Bennion. The crowd response then gave a more than warm welcome to Reunion, a group made of former members of The Lettermen. Jim Pike and Bob Engemann, founding members of The Lettermen, were joined by Ric De Azevedo, once a member of the King Family. Reunion had incredible energy and rapport with the audience, and sang such classic songs as "Love is a Many Splendored Thing," "Sweet Caroline," and "When l Fall in Love." Bennion took the stage and sang· right along with the trio, and even did chorus line kicks. In encore, the group came back out and sang " Hurts so Bad," while each member walked through the audience and shook hands. The combination of the Raspyni Brothers and the Reunion offered a fun and entertaining evening for everyone. When the concert was over, the ballroom was cleared and refreshments were served in the rotunda of the Sharwan Smith Center while the Ballroom was set up for the Inaugural Ball. The music of the Joe Muscolino Big Band filled the ballroom, and guests took to the dance floor. The band played contemporary hits, and good old classics. During intermission, Mindy Benson, SUU assistant director of student activities, Tasha Adams, SUUSA activities vice president, and Steve Allen, SUUSA president, paid tribute to Steven and Marjorie Bennion, and ended the eventful day at the ball. The Bennions took the stage and spoke of their appreciation to everyone who planned and particpated in this monumental event . The Bennions cut the inaugural cake and danced the spotlight dance to "When I Fall in Love." "It's so wonderful to see students, and those who could be their grandparents here sharing the same dance floor," said Bennion. "Today has been such a wonderful and humbling day. I thank you, everyone, for making today so 07~ ' |