Children's Theatre Company (CTC) and School of Minneapolis Alumni Archive: Jean Anouilh's Thieves' Carnival (1977)

Jean Anouilh's "Thieves' Carnival." 1977. Act I, Scene l.

PLEASE BE ADVISED that co-founder and artistic director John Clark Donahue, as well as a number of staff and/or school faculty members of the theatre (actor/instructor Jason McLean, for one) have been convicted and/or charged with criminal and/or civil crimes of sexual abuse of minors. In winter of 2019, in civil court, the Children's Theatre Company was also found guilty of negligence in these matters which occurred during the time period of the 1970s and 1980s (and probably earlier). Consequently, please be aware that the images and links within this blog include the contributions and participation of certain minors who were victims/survivors/witnesses of sexual and emotional abuse and residual trauma, as well as certain adult perpetrators, enablers, and/or former victims.

The Children's Theatre Company and School's 1977-78 season (its fourth year in the "new" theatre facility) began with a production of Jean Anouilh's 1932 comedy for teenage and adult audiences "Thieves' Carnival," offered in repertory with "Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp."

Translated from the French by George Muschamp, the play was directed and choreographed by John Clark Donahue, music composed by Steven M. Rydberg, with scenic design by Robert Braun, costume design by Gene Davis Buck, and lighting design by Karlis Ozols.

Set in Vichy, France the cast of characters featured Paul Smith, Gerald Drake, and Thomas Olson as the three thieves Peterbono, Hector, and Gustave. Lord Edgard and Lady Hurf were played by Oliver Osterberg and Wendy Lehr; their nieces Juliette and Eva played by Sara Schimke and Kathleen Sullivan. In addition, the roles of Dupont-Dufort Sr. and Jr. were played by George Muschamp and Barry Goldman, Tom Foster as the Town Crier, Rana Haugen as the Young Girl and Steven Rydberg as the ubiquitous clarinet-playing Musician.