London Central Secondary School - Golden Glimpses Yearbook (London, Ontario Canada)

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THE tumes were completed by the addition of parasols in matching colours. The members of the Forty were garbed in Turkish costume with colourful turbans, scarves and sashes. Each carried a dirk at his waist which showed most convincingly the murderous intentions of the band. The other members of the cast were likewise dressed in Turk- ish raiment with the exception of Mrs. Cassim, who appeared in a university cap and gown. The scenery, designed by Mr. Buck, was most realistic. The magic cave, displaying an abun- dance of stalacites and stalagmites which might have been placed there by nature, was everything an underground cavern should be. The barrels in which the hapless robbers were confined were a fine piece of work. The rendition of several musical selections by the orchestra was included in the programme. Orchids to all those who assisted with the costumes, scenery and stage management. In conclusion, may we quote the words of the Caliph of Bagdad: The story of this night shall be told in all ages. -Audrey Brown is MUSIC IN THE AUDIT ORIUM During the school year 1933-34 it was our privilege to enjoy many good programmes, both musical and dramatic, at our daily auditorium exercises. Here you may read a brief resume of the year's events. Fall Term Brings New Idea Our musical director, Mr. Carr, introduced for the first time last fall, short musical entertain- ments given by the students. During November we had two programmes of this kind. The first brought us a charming solo by Jean Brown, violin solo by Eileen George, and selections on the accordion by Bill Watters. At the second we heard another group, including a delightful solo by Arthur Cooke and a saxophone solo by Reg. Saville, accompanied by Jim Grant. On this occasion the orchestra made its bow to the school, playing for the first time the School March. Dur- ing December, owing to the visits of several speakers and because of other necessary transac- tions, we heard only an occasional selection by the orchestra. In March, during the visit of the inspector, we were favored with another musical programme, the artists being Eileen George, Bill Watters and the Orchestra. An enjoyable fifteen minutes was spent in listening to solos by Isobel May and Margaret Milroy, of the Fourth Year. I believe that the student body was quite ready in June to admit that they had witnessed some very worthwhile entertainment. Mrs. Durst Delights Pupils On one occasion we were honoured by the presence of Mrs. Robert Durst, contralto soloist of St. Andrew's Church. Mrs. Durst sang for us three delightful songs and the memory of them REV IEW '19 lingers with us still. W'e would like to have her with us again. An Appreciation of Our Pianists We take this opportunity to pay tribute to Hope Zurbrigg, whose piano accompaniment added considerably to our enthusiasm for community singing. We would also like to thank Audrey Braden, Jack Laughton and Clyde McDonald for their presence at the piano this year. Our New Metlzod of Singing This year, in place of using song books, the words of the songs are thrown on a screen. The idea is a good one, for not only are certain student ushers given the full benefit of their third and fourth periods, but also the members of the staff need no longer fear their singing capacity is being scrutinized. New songs are being introduced and as variety is the spice of life, I must say the change seasons our musical menu delightfully. -Pauline Crouch Us A The Glee Club A new feature of the musical life of the school this year has been the formation of the Glee Club, held in the third period each Tuesday. It is composed of boys and girls mainly of the third, fourth and fifth years, although some of its mem- bers belong to the Lower School. The chief aim of the Glee Club is to establish a permanent vocal group in the institution. Also, one of its purposes is to prepare for the Operetta, which is one of the most important events of the school year. The Glee Club was formed also to help introduce new songs in the auditorium, and this has already been tried out with success. The Glee Club has started out with a good chance for a year of success. Its members are enthusiastic and willing, and are looking forward to accomplishing great things this year. We are eagerly looking for their first appearance on the school platform and are sure of the success of any- thing they may decide to put on. THE GLEE CLUB Front Row-Arras Allison, Isabel May, Mary Armour,' Audrey Furse, Pauline Crouch, Eleda Parsons, Alice Der Stepanlan, Jean Brad- ford. Second Row-Margaret Milroy, Geraldine Hughes, Evelyn Coughlin, Frances lvison, Dorothy Maher, Marion Murray, Marion Shuttle- worth, Isabel Taylor, Ellen Kilbourne. Back Row-Ken Gowie, Paul Smith, Art Cooke. Alec. Smith, Stuart Spofford, Russel Weir, Jack Morgan.

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18 Tl-IE The orchestra's repertoire was increasedwith such numbers as Wagon Wheels, Marche M1l1ta1re and selections from H.M.S. Pinafore. Besides playing at the annual school operetta, the orchestra assisted in providing entertainment for the Second Year Party. Each Friday they contributed to the musical programmes and accompanied the singing. The orchestra each year strives to improve on the preceding year. May 1934-35 bring success worthy of the endeavours of the leader and his assistants. -Mary Whale lil? Open Sesame Open Sesame was the phrase which gave access not only to a secret cave but to an evening of splendid entertainment as well. For those two magic words were the title of the comic opera presented last year at the Collegiate. Needless to say, it was directed by our own musical conductor, Mr. Carr, and was under the auspices of the Literary Society. The tale, as one might guess, dealt with prob- ably the most famous of all Scheherazade's fanciful stories, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. The operetta was an English adaptation of this story. It told of the beggarly Ali Baba and his finding of the cave wherein the thieves had hidden their treasure of fabulous wealth. The secret of the cave was guarded well, however, by a door which opened only when addressed with the formula Open Sesame. Ali Baba came, saw and departed and with him departed much of the treasure. How much, his long suffering donkey might testify. At this point a new element was introduced by the appearance of the young ladies of Cassim College, accompanied by Mrs. Cassim, the head- mistress. Their desire to study the mysteries of underground caverns led them to the spot and the desire was satisfied far beyond their expectations, for they found a band of dashing young robbers. It goes without saying that the girls' departure left in its wake forty love-lorn lads. A quarrel arose between the band and the captain's lieutenant, Hassarac. The last named gentleman, learning in the course of the conversation that his company was quite unnecessary, withdrew rather precip- itously to the accompaniment of much brandishing of murderous-looking weapons. The love interest was provided chiefly by Morgiana, Ali Baba's slave, who wound her master around the proverbial little linger. The outcast Hassarac became enam- oured of the beautiful slave but she heartlessly said him nay. Abdallah, the captain of the forty, seeking vengeance on the one who had taken his treasure, stationed his men most uniquely in oil barrels. Howsomever, the resourceful Morgiana discovi-ri-cl the ruse and settled matters quite neatly by sending them all to Bye-Bye Land. Again the girls entered, finding their dear, delightful REVIEW thieves in a most awkward situation. But they being girls and in love, freed the poor dears and then came the crowning surprise of the perform- ance. Mrs. Cassim entered with the startling revelation that Hassarac was a professor by rights and no wicked thief at all. Hence, in a true pro- fessor-like manner, he delivered sound advice to the girls on the art of being good wives and accompan- ied the said advice with printed pamphlets. The Forty, in a fit of remorse and repentance, renounced all roguery and bid fair to be upright, honest citizens thenceforth. And thus the curtain fell with the entire company joined in singing Wed- ding Bells. I do not pretend to be a music critic, but in my humble opinion this operetta was by far the best yet attempted by the school. The cast was splen- didly chosen and seemed to be absolutely at ease behind the footlights. Flora Martin made a most vivacious and entirely unaffected Morgiana and her clear soprano voice was very pleasing. Betty Wolff as Mrs. Cassim was a pleasant surprise, with a fine mezzo-soprano voice. Hope Zurbrigg and Margaret Milroy as Fatima and Zuleika, were equally charming. Clyde Macdonald gave a humorous interpretation of the character Ali Baba. The combination of a fine voice and a knack for comedy rendered his numbers interesting, The German Sausage, particularly so. Leonard Lums- den, as Abdallah, Dick Guthrie as Hassarac, Arthur Cooke and Nelson Foster as Ibrahim and Mustapha turned out excellent performances. The boys' chorus, far surpassing those of previous years, was unusually strong and robust for amateurs. Cliff Sharpe, costumed in true oriental splendour, gave a masterly reading of the prologue which was written by Miss Wyatt and was a splendid intro- duction to the opera. Dances, typical of the far east, were executed by Metta Morrison, Betty Anderson, June Vogan, Shirley Shoebottom and Ann Little. The costumes, designed by and executed under the direction of Miss Edge and Miss Wiancko, were as usual, praiseworthy. The girls of the chorus were dressed in dainty frocks of pink and green print with huge organdy sleeves and soft black silk bows at the neck-line. These charming cos- OPEN SESAME

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S20 Tl-IE Change of l-leart T had been snowing all day and although the chauffeur had shovelled the walk earlier in the day it was now piled ankle-deep with shifting drifts. Amoury Thornton, her feet shod in luxurious, furred carriage boots, picked her way daintily down to the waiting limousine. With one hand she held up the filmy skirts of her black chiffon dress, while with the other she held the collar of her short fur jacket across her throat. As she advanced to the curb she became aware that someone was watching her intently, and she looked up, sharply. A young girl stood not ten yards from her. She was very poorly dressed and out of a pale, thin face framed in long, shaggy hair stared a pair of large, dark eyes. The short, stiff veil depending from her black toque had been blown back and Amoury's light-blue eyes encountered those other eyes so very different from her own. It gave her the most unusual sen- sation, as though solid ground had suddenly been jerked out from under her. She seemed to glimpse a world very different from the one she knew, a world of narrow streets, of unpainted frame shacks or tenements built close to the road, of dark, dingy rooms filled with the stale odours of cooking. She saw all this in those unusual eyes and yet Amoury knew nothing ofthe life of the poorer classes and had never seen a slum. Her mother had preceded her into the car and now her impatient voice recalled her daughter to earth. ' . Do hurry, Amoury. W'e're late already, as it is. Amoury withdrew her eyes reluctantly al- though she was eager to escape such unpleasant visions. She went on, stepping into the car while the chauffeur held open the door. They rolled smoothly away. Amoury pulled down her veil and straightened her skirts. Did you notice that girl? she asked. No, VVhat girl? She was standing 'there by the sidewalk. She had the strangest eyes I've ever seen. if all tk ak lk Pk if That evening Amoury attended a New Year's dance at the Van Tyles'. She was gorgeous in a dress of painted white velvet stiffened with a lining of taffeta. jewels sparkled on her fingers, her arms, round her throat and from her ears. Her escort was Freddie Lunt, a frivolous young man who had been hopelessly in love with her for at least two long months. They had been dancing but Amoury had asked him to get her some of the favours which were being distributed. She wanted a gay paper hat and a horn. lVaiting for him, she stood near a doorway. wound up in yards and yards of coloured streamers. REVIEW f Betty Patterson First Prize Story---Middle and Upper School Looking up she saw Alan Drake approaching her. Amoury's heart began to beat faster. He was coming to her, wasn't he? Oh everything was all right. The party suddenly became complete and worthwhile. Hello, Miss Beautiful, he greeted her. How are you, Alan? Oh, I'm fine, thanks. No need to ask how you are. How is it you're left here alone like a deserted princess? f'Well I don't think anyone has penetrated my disguise and discovered my identity yet. Oh I see. Didn't you come with Freddie? Yes. He's just gone to get me some favours. Indeed. Well, in the meantime suppose you come and have a drink with me? I'd love to. ' The rooms were crowded and Alan offered Amoury his arm that they might progress more easily. Drinks were served in the games' room at one end of which was a bar behind which stood a japanese butler. What will you have? Champagne, please. Alan brought her a glass. But as she lifted it to her lips she seemed to see again the shabbily dressed girl with the large, dark eyes. In place of the brightly-lighted room, the laughter, the chatter and the clink of glasses she saw a small dark room, in it pale-faced people, and she heard the sound of crying. Amoury's hand shook so that some of her drink slopped over and her elab- orate, expensive gown was irreparably stained. What's the matter, dear? inquired Alan. How queer! exclaimed Amoury. Oh, I'm all right Alan. Their drinks finished, the glasses were set down. Where is your wrap? asked Alan. Why, in the dressing room, of course, replied Amoury, wonderingly. Go up and get it and we'll go for a walk on the terrace. That is, if it suits you? Yes indeed. There was a smile on Amoury's face as she walked from the room, but at the foot of the stair- case she met Freddie. 'LOh hullo, Amoury. I've been looking for you just everywhere, he complained plaintively. That's too bad. I'm just going up to powder my nose. I'll only be a few minutes, but don't wait for me. I'll find you. Amoury came downstairs wrapped in an ermine cloak the collar of which framed her fair IConlinued on Page 88 ll