The 1990s
Due to loss of funding and battles for performance space on campus, the two major theatrical RSOs on campus merged in 1990: the UMass Music Theatre Guild and the then “University Players”. Some students from the UMP also created their own comedy organization at this time called “Student Valley Productions” (SVP would later become the UMass Comedy League in 2014). This new group became the UMass Theatre Guild and started the tradition of producing four productions a year: 2 plays & 2 musicals. The first project of the UMTG was a production of Agatha Christie’s “Ten Little Indians” (Spring ‘90) and the group consistently produced recognizable shows throughout the decade. Musicals such as “The Who’s ‘Tommy’” (Fall ‘97), “Pippin” (‘93/4), “Fame” (‘97), “Jesus Christ Superstar” (Spring ‘98), & “Company” (Twice - ‘93/4 & Fall ‘99) were a hit! A number of Shakepeare productions were also thrown into the mix, such as “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (‘92/3), “Two Gentlemen of Verona” (‘93/4), & “The Winter’s Tale” (‘95/6). |
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