Heeeeeeere's Johnny!
Date 3/25/1999 12:00 AM | Topic: Arts & Culture Johnny Carson returns for the fourth annual production of The Tonight Show in the CFL Friday, April 9, at 8:30 p.m. This year Ross Downing ('99) will fill in as Johnny for the third time and Dirk Stadtlander ('00) will appear as Ed McMahon. Both will be accompanied by the talent of Luther Jazz Band II under the direction of Dave Arnold ('99). The evening will be packed with entertainment as Luther college faculty and a variety of comedy and musical acts by students take the stage.
David Faldet, professor of English, Ed Tebbenhoff, professor of history, Tim Peter, Sandra Peter and Frederick Nyline, all professors of music, and Pastor Mike Blair will be involved in the evening's entertainment, as well as Johnny's special guest Ed Epperly, professor of education.
A variety of talent has been selected by an audition process that was open to the general Luther community. Auditions were conducted by the Tonight Show talent committee led by Mike Anderson ('99). The talent ranges from comical to serious dance and music performances.
"I believe the talent and variety is the strongest it has ever been," said Anderson.
Not only does The Tonight Show have a four-year history on the Luther campus, but also in Greene, Iowa. In the fall of 1992 Downing belonged to a group called Greene Team Betterment which formed the show as a high school and community event and a tribute to Johnny Carson.
The Tonight Show followed Downing to Luther where it was performed with support of the Ylvisaker Hall government in the spring of 1996. Since 1997 the show and its funding have been done entirely through students. "The Tonight Show is the only entirely student-run and -funded production on campus," Downing said.
Downing stepped down from the role of Johnny for one season with Dave Carroll ('99) in the limelight for 1998.
Since its introduction the show has grown in size and popularity, said Ross Downing ('99).
"Both Luther and Decorah Community viewership has grown each year."
Though Downing will be leaving with diploma in hand May 23, The Tonight Show will go on. Stadtlander will take over the main responsibilities next year, ensuring a future for a production which has now not only grown to become a part of the Luther College community, but the Decorah Community as well.
Tickets for this evening of entertainment and cultivation of Luther memories are on sale right now at the box office. Tickets are free for all students, faculty and staff, $3 for adults and $2 for K-12 students and senior citizens
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David J. Carroll
Chips Staff Writer
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