The Ottawa University Theatre Department presented Robert Bastron’s “A Contemporary American’s Guide to a Successful Marriage” and Toni Morrison’s “Desdemona” during the spring 2012 semester. Lynn Deboeck, a doctoral student at the University of Kansas, was the guest director of “Desdemona,” which offered an alternative view of Shakespeare’s “Othello” as the three women characters, Desdemona, Emilia and Bianca, are seen in the back room of the palace. The cast included

FADE IN INT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - NIGHT (1986) MRS. CLAUS (Sarah Lemp) is on stage, anxiously waiting to say her two lines. At the cue, she blurts out something resembling her first line but immediately realizes she’s flubbed her debut performance. The second grader keeps her composure, however, collects her thoughts and delivers the second line flawlessly. CUT TO: INT. PETERS AUDITORIUM - DAY (2000) Lemp is a senior at Ottawa University and ready to present and perform in her Senior Comp

Designed to give audience members a glimpse into the inner-workings of relationships, the Ottawa University Theatre department presented a musical in October entitled, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.” The musical followed the trials and tribulations of relationships throughout the spectrum of life – from first dates through marriage to the golden years. The show was written by Joe DiPetro and Jimmy Roberts and featured songs like “A Stud and a Babe,” “Always a Brides

Joyce Stuermer, long-time professor of music at Ottawa University, still remembers the day she asked Ron Chronister ’76 to serve as assistant director for an upcoming musical. “Even as a student, his organizational skills and abilities were top notch,” she said. Those same skills have led to Chronister’s involvement in planning various state, regional and national events throughout his 35-year career in music education. His most recent project involves the design and implementat