Snake Oil

As a curtain raiser for this year's Drumbeats and Song, the Harvard Band swung through a selection of spirited melodies, well matching the energetic performance of Snake Oil. To attempt a criticism of last night's concert would be like kicking holes in the Band's new drum. Each tune was delivered with that punch which stirs a chorus of accompanying shoe taps.

The music set an appropriately light mood for Snake Oil, and it is unfortunate that the Band cannot play for tonight's program. The omission will not be disastrous, however; Snake Oil is more than able to stand on its own merits. A collection of unlikely situations and lively songs, Snake Oil is the tale of the Texas oil man, enthusiastically intent on cultivating his daughter and converting Radcliffe into a likeable brewery. The highpoints of the enterprise are the lyrics (Stephen Addiss and Caleb Crowell) and the music by Clarence Chang. Their best song, "Love Is Blind," is a melody of professional quality. Since it is amusingly staged and sung as well, the writers might have favored the audience with a reprise. Now it means buying the album.

The tunes failed to hold complete attention only during those infrequent instances when they slowed in pace. "We Know What's Good for Women" provided both fun and novelty, as did "I Turned My Lover's Picture to the Wall," a catchy spoof of cowboy songs.

The book for Snake Oil was like most Drumbeats and Song plots, taking numerous, standard swings at rival colleges, freshman mixers, and Radcliffe food. Written and directed by Michael Vidor, the script and its humor was generally enjoyable, although perhaps overloaded with puns. As Amaryllis-Ann, the oil tycoon's daughter, Rosalind Froug added spark and charm to lines and a characterization which might otherwise have bordered on the routine. Speaking with an outrageous accent or singing with a pleasant, distinct voice, Miss Froug projects an case that is a delight to watch. Her oil-mad father is played by David James, who flashes a jaunty smile, a hybrid of Maurice Chevalier and the elder Fairbanks. Complete with wild tie and ten gallon hat, James has perfected his drawl, making him a convincing Southern magnate.

In temporary cahoots with the tycoon is Horace Nimbus, a Humanities 3 section man, played by Stephen Addiss. He succeeds in looking the part, and his monologues are often too near reality to be amusing. But in all he captures the faculty spirit, and pleasantly at that. The supporting roles are a compendum of unusual types, including Chowderhead Chumley (Stephen Bolster), who is the suede jacket tough man for the Radcliffe operation. Wheareas he tends to shout more lines than he growls, his walk is an authentic back street swagger. One of his bosses is Congressman Al Gaiter (Robert Rosenberger), who is a bit rough for a slick politician, although he gives the impression of a man of graft. A sturdy Harvard valiant, Hobart, is portrayed by Thomas Russell, whose voice is enjoyably mellow and clear.

An interesting phenomena are the two young ladies whose voices are pitched lower than most of the men's. Patricia Hess, as a friend of Amaryliss-Ann, applies her tonal qualities in a manner to give added gusto to the song "Snake Oil." An exotic Radcliffe enticer, Sheila Tobias whirls through "Mink on My Mind." Miss Tobias is smooth with her lines, although she appeared slightly embarrassed while enclosed in a barrel.

The group numbers are all well done, and the addition of singing in the kickline number is an improvement over past years. An unusual variation is the modern dance, a clever number with only a few rough spots, and a credit to the choreographer, Robert Norris. Webster Lithgow's sets make the most of Sanders' legendary inconviences.

Snake Oil is easy to take.