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Retro RFH Tower Players Stage Crew Playing

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It’s all fun and games until … the RFH Tower Players crew finishes building the set … or show time … or something like that. You get the picture — or pictures.

The RFH Tower Players are playing on Nov. 20 with their pandemic time virtual production of Shuddersome: Tales of Poe.

And while there will be lots of new techie nuances to tackle, this year is a first for a setless show. RFH PAS recently introduced the behind-the-scenes crew with head shots. Decades ago, in a far away Tower Players’ land, the tech crew was rarely seen in this way.

In fact, the crew was rarely seen, save for the final bow on closing night. Though, decades ago (too many to count anymore), the crew was captured in a little Tower Players photo gallery for the RFH yearbook.

It offered a glimpse of just how a set gets constructed, down to every little detail like props. So, in honor of the techies and the first setless Tower Players show, we reprise a post about those set crew members.

Here it is again …

Fall shows have long been a Tower Players tradition. Decades ago, the fall production was never a musical. It always cast only Tower Players — those who passed the audition for membership in the high school troupe.

There has been quite a variety of shows staged in the past several decades and quite a difference in genre. In fact, it’s a pretty sure bet that a lot of old Tower Players may not be familiar with some of the newer plays chosen for staging at RFH.

No, back in the day, the choices were usually classic comedy, farce, or straight-on drama. But, usually the playwrights were well doused in the contemporary spotlight. For instance, Neil Simon plays were frequently chosen.

In fact, it was the choice in the fall of 1977. While the theme of Plaza Suite’s vignettes was pretty adult, the cast, comprised of senior and junior couples, pulled it off quite well — and, yes, with comic flair. Ahem.

But, behind every cast is an apt stage crew setting the stage. The crew for the Tower Players’ production of Plaza Suite in 1977 had its work literally cut out for it. After all, these students had to recreate rooms at the famous, upscale Plaza Hotel in New York City. And they did. From the smallest detail in fancy furniture and silver to fireplaces and wall moldings, the set was a masterpiece.

So, the Retro Pic(s) of the (George) Day hone in on the mastery of the techies behind every Tower Players production, from then ’til now.

Take a look. Recognize these RFH techies? What exactly are they building in these photos? Can you caption them?

Thanks again to the fabulous George Day for this look back in time on the RFH stage!