Reed College Midnight Theater, 1987 or 1987, by Tonio

From MemoryArchive

Who:  Tonio
What: Reed College Midnight Theater Performance
When: 1986 or 1987
Where: Reed College, Portland, OR

It was in the old theater building, the one that stood over the stream. The hall was packed and there was a giddy energy as we waited for it to begin. Presently, an announcer's voice was heard: "And now, the Reed College Chorus, under the baton of [??], performing 'Old Macdonald.'" From the left of the stage a conductor walked out, dressed in a tux. He did not face us, the audience, but instead turned away and made an ostentatious bow to the back of the stage, presenting his rear to us rather longer than strictly necessary. Then he turned around and, in the matter of a conductor, looked left and right, and then began conducting. And we, the erstwhile audience, began singing. He made us sing quietly at some parts, loudly at others, pointed to some of us for the pigs, others for the ducks, etc. It was a wonderful performance.