College Night:
A Centennial Celebration
K A
S
E N
K E
E P
University of Montevallo
C O L L E G E N I G H T: A C E N T E N N I A L C E L E B R AT I O N
THE SIXTIES
1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969
40
41
42
1960-1969: The Golden Chain and Purple Reign A
lthough College Night productions of previous eras often commented on world events, students of the 1960s opted for escapism through wild fantasies. The decade’s productions took audiences to ancient Rome and Egypt, the swamps of Louisiana, a coven of witches, a land ruled by oversized feet, and Earth in the year 30,000 A.D. The tumult of Vietnam War protests and the Civil Rights Movement was absent from Palmer stage. Students of the era likely viewed such subjects as too controversial for Homecoming and too gritty for the tradition’s brand of musical comedies. Compared to the Broadway musicals of the decade, College Night shows were more akin to Camelot (1960) and Man of La Mancha (1965) than to Cabaret (1966) or Hair (1968). The Golds excelled at creating frivolous, clever musicals and dominated much of the decade with memorable shows, including A Funny Thing Happened to Me on the Way to Ford’s Theatre and Rapunzel, Rapunzel!, or A Not So Grimm Fairy Tale. Earning seven consecutive victories from 1961 to 1967, the Golds broke the Purples’ record for the longest winning streak in College Night history. When discussing what became known as the “Golden Chain” of victories, 1964 and 1965 Gold Side director John Batson joked, “I don’t know how it feels to lose…I’m just glad I was here at the right time.” Men became increasingly involved in College Night in the first part of the decade, with the Golds electing the first male Assistant Leader, Bobby Harrison, in 1960. In 1963, the practice of electing female and male co-leaders for each side was implemented (the title co-leader
coming from the term co-education). Although men were still relatively new participants in College Night, these early male leaders had tremendous respect for the tradition. 1963 male Purple Leader James Earl Davis explained the depth of his loyalty to the tradition and his side, having attended every College Night performance since he was six years old. “Two of my cousins by marriage were Purple cheerleaders and one of my high school teachers was a Purple Leader,” Davis told The Alabamian. “I have always associated with the Purple Side.” Among the most celebrated side members were Cowtails, Flunkies, cheerleaders, and drummers. Purple Cowtails and Gold Flunkies were gofers and helpers tasked with assisting with scenery, costumes, props, lighting, and other areas of production. Cheerleaders were selected by each side’s respective cabinets and developed new cheers every year. Sides paired drummers with each cheerleading squad to further boost their levels of noise and pep. Cowtails and Flunkies wore unique badges each year, while cheerleaders and drummers were often attired in outfits that matched the theme of that year’s show. Pre-production activities, such as sign-raisings and pep rallies, were often as exciting as College Night itself. For a number of years, each side made a large electric sign to hang from the side of a dorm building. Signs were made and hung in secrecy. Rather than both sides gathering for a large unveiling, the sides would individually decide on a time to gather for cheering and sign-raising. In 1965, after Alabama College opened Farmer Hall, the student union building (or “Sub,” as it was called), the sides
began making two signs: an electric sign for the side of a dormitory and an unlit sign to place on the lawn in front of Farmer. This tradition was later simplified to include only the sign in front of Farmer. Although both sides provided ample opportunity for involvement, a few rebellious students grew unhappy with the Purples and Golds and demonstrated their grievances by identifying themselves as “Greens.” Rumors circulated in the fall of 1961 about these students’ intentions. Some believed they wanted to form a third competitive side, while others claimed they wished to abolish College Night altogether. In 1963, several Greens attempted to present their own production a week after College Night. However, disapproval from traditional College Night participants, along with disorganization among the relatively small Green faction, meant that such a production would never take place. Instead of representing a third side or an organized movement against College Night, the term “Green” ultimately came to denote students who were neutral or who did not participate in the tradition. The 1960s drew to a close with two history-making Purple Victories. In 1968, with the sides tied at 24 wins each, the Purples broke the “Golden Chain” and once again took the lead in the overall series (a lead that, to date, has yet to be forfeited). In 1969, the Purples earned another victory—by a margin of only one point, setting the record for the closest College Night contest recorded to that date (a record that has since been matched, but not surpassed). The Purples were back to their winning ways and had momentum going into the decade ahead.
1975 College Night
A Mass for Man S
eated on his throne in Hell, Lucifer enjoys tormenting lost souls in the Purples’ A Mass for Man. Lucifer recounts the story of mankind from creation to the Salem witch trials.
Purple Side
1975 Winner: Purple
Leaders:
Melissa Martin and Larry Snipes
Creative Team:
Stephen Toney (Book); Debbie Isley (Music and Lyrics); Guy Downing (Direction)
Cast:
Denise Baxter, Warren Bates, Terri Chambers, Capers Doss, Chick Durrett, Rick Faucher, Janet Frizzle, Greta Lambert, Judy Lien, Jim Morgan, Susan Noel, Bobby Pitts, Beverly Simms, Rocky Smith, Eric Walker, William Winslett, Debbie Woolen, Doug Carothers, Sam Finch, Steve Savitz, Scot Copeland, Theresa Aiken, Leslie Balfour, Donna Carretto, Pat Hawkins, Cindy Holmes, Jeannie Duke, Keith Brandon, Rick Faucher, John Kilpatrick, Jim Morgan, Bobby Pitts, Brian McCanless, Greta Lambert, Bob Gates, Delores Adkins, Theresa Aiken, Netta Banks, John Bowman, Pam Bridgeman, Collins Cameron, Doug Carothers, Nancy Davidson, Jeannie Duke, Sam Finch, Susan Gilbert, Lynn Guthrie, Inge Hinrichs, Cindy Holmes, Kathye Kerwin, Heidi Miller, Katy Nelems, Steve Perkins, Steve Savitz, Connie Self, Russell Thomas, Denise Baxter, Amy Hamrick, Julia House, Jackie Jenkins, Jenni Mills, Debbie Woolen, Darrell Revel, Theresa Aiken, Paul Allen, Leslie Balfour, Denise Barter, Donna Carretto, David Elmore, Ted Fenn, Jim Frazier, Bonnie Freeman, Bob Gates, Lynn Guthrie, Amy Hamrick, Pat Hawkins, Julia House, Tom Marino, Jenni Mills, Jim Morgan, Bobby Pitts, Thomas Pope, Randy Sullivan, William Winslett, Debbie Woolen
Songs:
“Ballet,” “Little Girl’s Poem,” “Benediction,” “Lucifer,” “Alleluia,” “Gloria Tibi,” “Gloria in Excelsis Deo”
A Centennial Celebration
The Nick of Time Gold Side Leaders:
Margaret Tucker and David Matthews
Creative Team:
Zack Godwin and Greg Daniels (Book); Greg Daniels (Music); Zack Godwin with Jan Price (Direction)
Cast:
Alynn McMurray, Dianne Goodner, Barbara Nell Ezell, Ronnie Nelson, David Brazier, Bobby Davis, Allen Willey, Susan Brown, Monica Taylor, Carol Medders, Denise Bryant, Suzanne Serota, Steve Tucker, John Draper, Clay Newton, Paul Roberts, Nancy Beatty, Claudia Collier, Landis Hamilton, Robert Knox, Mark Stadsklev, Mark Spaulding, Rebel Gray, Olen Williamson, Grant Taylor, Mark Stadsklev, Mark Spaulding, Rebel Gray, Olen Williamson, Grant Taylor, Chip Johnsey, Alan Davenport, Allen Smith, Annette Horsley, Dorothy Baldwin, Vicki Portis, Debbie Durham, Sharon Putnam, Debbie Bates, Mimi Young, Sheila Ingram, Janet McLaughlin, Carolyn Parker, Cindi Peoples, Donna Bain, Janet Valerius, Karen Kendrick, Mary Faulkner, Andrea Reid, Carolyn Jnior, Margie McNeill, Dottie Alexander, Nancy Willis, Roger Lucas, Sherry Tew, Peggy Byrd, Ginger Newton, Melinda Barron, Debra Elder, Emily Garner, Betty Martin, Diane Keith, Mary Kate Harrison
Songs:
“Afraid to Let Somebody,” “I Wanta Make You See Me,” “Winter Song,” “Janet’s Song in Apartment,” “Jelly Beans Song,” “Nick’s Song,” “Processional,” “Angel’s Chorus,” “Gospel,” “Oh Brother Man,” “Jubilant,” “Bear Your Arms,” “Drunk’s Song,” “What Will It Be?,” “Red Hot Mama (Prostitute’s Song),” “Janet’s Song in Jailhouse”
I
n the Golds’ 1975 production, Nick Reeder is a greedy music agent who corrupts everyone around him, including his charmingly innocent client Peter Simon. After dying at the hands of a mugger, Nick is able to win his way to Heaven by learning lessons from Peter’s virtues.
Dedication: Mr. Milton Martin
1989 College Night
The Perils of Nadine (Bound for Glory) I
n the Purples’ 1989 production, Nadine Fallwell, the soon-to-be beneficiary of a million dollar trust fund, arrives at Minnie Spry’s Curl Up and Dye Beauty Parlor to learn that her Aunt Charlene has been kidnapped. Nadine teams with Detective Thomas Albright to solve the case and fall in love.
Purple Side
1989 Winner: Purple
Leaders:
Linda Miller and Gary Blankenship
Creative Team:
Keith Winsted and Rachel Rodgers (Book); Keith Winsted with Maria Parker, Leslie McCage, and Laurence Whitcomb (Music and Lyrics); Beth Thomason with Rachel Rogers (Direction)
Cast:
Brian Cornett, Aimee Thornton, Susan Starr, Susane Hicks, Linda Miller, Joy Tilley, Jennifer Jones, David U. Hodges, Zanne Palmes, Dom Boyer, Haden Anderson, Anastasia Arnold, Christopher Crews, Hortensia Davis, Myra Fiedler, Pam Fraley, Samuel E. Jones, Jon B. Martin, Kelly McGrath, Lisa Montgomery, Melissa Mueller, Theresa Robbins, Barry Rushakoff, Keith Winsted
Songs:
“Big News,” “On the Bright Side,” “Happy Ransom Day,” “Take a Chance,” “Saturday Night,” “Bound for Glory,” “The Perils of Nadine,” “Finale”
A Centennial Celebration
From Here to Fraternity Gold Side Leaders:
Julie Speers and Chip Dawson
Creative Team:
Ralph Dobbins (Book and Lyrics); Chip Dawson with Lisa Lowery (Music and Lyrics); Ralph Dobbins with Mitch Edwards (Direction)
Cast:
Stephani L. Newton, Yvette Yeh, Tracy McCracken, Lisa Suttle, Mary Reid, Meredith Rushing, Tiffany Hays, Lori Mercer, Connie Phillips, Kim Cain, Carolyn Murry, Rebecca Thompson, Amy Ohnich, Jo Lynn Coan, Michelle Kersey, Patricia Chambers, Edie Tipton, Deana Conn, Shawn Willis, Mitch Edwards, Patrick Owings, Greg Alburl, Matt Arnold, Jamie Vickrey, Barry Baros, Rick Edmonds, Barry Gross, Robb Hicks, Ralph Dobbins, Kim Harper, Mindy Bier, Leslie Tompkins, Miriam Kampfer, Jacken Thompson, Kara Matthews, Celyn Daniel, Sherri Newlin, Jennifer Miller, Jacken Thompson, Merrilee Burg, Karen Musgrove, Carla Turner, Stacy Linn, Karen Miller, Marie Brady, Cheryl Graffo, Shannon Gajewski, Michelle Sides, Sharon Balch, Jennifer Bacon, Paige Hartman, James “Happy” Smith, Scott Green
Songs:
““Forbidden Blues,” “Sisterhood,” “He’s So Wonderful,” “Forbidden Fruit,” “The Dressing Song,” “Behind Every Great Woman There’s a Man,” “Happily Ever After,” “Flame for My Flame,” “You Went and Did It,” “Head Over Heels,” “Seasons,” “From Here to Fraternity”
T
he Golds’ From Here to Fraternity presents sorority member Allyson and fraternity member Chuck as star-crossed lovers beset by rambunctious frat boys and the deceitful Babs Bloomquist. When a happy ending for the couple seems in sight, the students learn of President Kennedy’s assassination and somberly reflect on the ways their lives would change.
Dedication: Dr. David C. Martin
College Night: A Centennial Celebration At the University of Montevallo, there is no tradition more cherished by students and alumni alike than College Night. College Night: A Centennial Celebration chronicles the tradition’s first 100 years from its humble beginnings as a contest between the classes through its most monumental clashes between the Purples and the Golds. Within this beautifully designed hardcover book, more than 200 pages of photographs, plot synopses, cast and song lists, and set and costume illustrations pay tribute to College Night’s productions. Introductions to each decade of the event’s history, along with special features interspersed throughout the book, offer historical and cultural context for College Night, describe its major developments, and highlight its most influential figures and beloved customs.
RESERVE YOUR COPY NOW: http://montevallotickets.universitytickets.com/
Books will be available for pickup beginning on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019 at College Night.