Spring 2014
Features
The Varsity Show Through the Years
A look back at Columbia’s longest running theatrical tradition in pictures, programs and posters
One of the Varsity Show’s signature elements has been the pony ballet, shown here by the chorus line from 1929’s Oh Hector!
Beatrice Kay, a performer from Billy Rose’s Diamond Horseshoe supper club, seems unsure what to make of Alexander McAllister ’40 of 1939’s Fair Enough.PHOTO: ANDREW COSTIKYAN ’43
The full cast of 1939’s Fair Enough on stage at the Hotel Astor.PHOTO: DELAR ROCKEFELLER CENTER
Rehearsing the pony ballet on Low Plaza for 1940’s Life Begins in ’40.PHOTO: WILD WORLD PHOTOS, INC
Getting a posture lesson during rehearsals.PHOTO: JACK M. LEWIS
A pony ballet member is flanked by British soldiers in 1954’s Sky’s the Limit.PHOTO: MARTIN MOLLOY ’55, ’60 GSAS
Cast members of 1948’s Streets of New York receive some dance instruction.Photo: MANNY WARMAN
A chorus girl with a Low Library replica on her head cavorts with the Columbia lion in 1980’s Fly With Me.Photo: ADRIAN BRYAN-BROWN
The cast of 1980’s Fly With Me, a revival of 1920’s show, with music by Richard Rodgers ’23 and lyrics by Lorenz Hart (Class of 1918J).Photo: ADRIAN BRYAN-BROWN
ALL IMAGES COURTESY COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES