West High School - Shaheen Yearbook (Davenport, IA)

Page 27 text:

The Wings was a showcase and a mon- eymaker for instrumental and Vocal Music - which was partly why the groups from those departments dominated the program. If seen with an eye to the clock, it seemed a challenge. How else can you describe taking 24 musical numbers, performed by almost 160 students, and coordinating everything at two all-too- short rehearsals? lf seen very basically, it was a music show. In fact, the 1980 theme was Music- makers 20 lto also com- memorated two decades of productionsi. The variety came from the contrast of musical styles. From following a Beach Boys medley with back-to-back rock bands to a rendition of Still. They spotlighted a soloist on one number, teamed up dancers with the band on the next, and featured small vocal or instrumental groups on an- other. Still, the show is tradition- ally charged with lack of va- riety. But, whatever the show is or is seen to be, those peo- ple in the wings watched. Despite having seen the acts before. Despite receiving the executive order to keep the area clear. They watched, and they listened to the audience. Small groups of rowdies became hushed during a sol- id, serious piece. People clapped along with a really rousing number, and ap- plause that frequently was more-than-just-polite. lt made it seem worth- while. it's always surprising it Transplanted from the playing field to the auditorium stage, the West High Silks promenade to the Theme from Superman. A dance by junior Rita Garcia is one of a handful of special acts chosen for the show after school-wide au- ditions. One of the three vocal soloists se- lected following a morning of tryouts, senior Annette Puckett sings All That jazz. turns out as well as it does, one band member said. But then, consider what it's really all about. lt's a chance to perform, chance to watch friends, maybe see a special talent. it's a chance to entertain and be enter- tained. Considering that, it turned out just the way it should have. by Scott Anderson Variety Show 23

Page 26 text:

For the energetic opener, junior Cindy Ehrsam and five other danc- ers translate into joyous movement the words of Everybody Rejoice. Closing the show on a traditional note, the band and a cappella per- form The Battle Hymn of the Re- public. Pushing Mostest cupcakes and Twinkies is just one of the routines that seniors Layne Sanden, Darla Blocker, and jeff Kern stage be- tween acts. They dreamt up their commercial take-offs after learning that, instead of a host, the directors wanted to use comedy blackouts for the continuity. While They Wciil In Backstage, it was standing room only - literally and il- legally. The Variety Show direc- tors had ordered that, unless performers were waiting to go on in the next number, they shouldn't stand in the wings, watching the show. That's part of the price you pay for being in the show, said Vocal Music teacher Mr. Ron May. You don't get to see it. Despite this, cast members still crowded near the stage door and at off-stage right. They pinned themselves to the wall and packed them- selves together. They shiftedl about to make way for the other performers, instru- ments, and music stands roll- ing on and off stage. They stood on tiptoes and peeke over shoulders, straine their eyes in the darkness. All to have a view, if only from the side, of a friend' performance or a favorit act, and to listen, with satis- faction, to the audience's ap- plause. lt was a reminder of what the show was really all about. if seen only practically, it by ,Y gf ,ggi-3,1 -, T T i l i 375 5 . , - mm . ,.,,,. - , ,.., M: l VAJ,, . . A1 T ...T - fii K .

Page 28 text:

How To IVIoke A IVIiser The first time the school heard about it was on the an- nouncements: that the all- school play would be Mo- liere's The Miser, a classic French farce, and that open auditions would be held . .. Not until five weeks later ai did the play come into the school's full view again. A banner went up in the hall advertising the play, a special newspaper was distributed, announcements were made about ticket sales. Finally, 1 r ,V -Qyazzzly , . Using liquid latex and crape hair, junior Don Enoch fashions another actor's gentlemanly mustache. A mix-up before dress rehearsal forces senior jeff Kern to make some last-minute lighting adjust- ments. leff, the producer, also over- saw tickets and programs. 24 All School Play The double challenge of The Miser demanded consideration of small details, which senior Scott Ander- son, Mr. Holzworth, juniors Susie Mackie and Leanna Moldenhauer, and senior Layne Sanden here stop for. Besides being a complex farce, the production was theatre-in-the- round, so the cast had to adapt to a new blocking style. there were three perfor- mances. But in-between all that, a lot went on that many stu- dents were unaware of. That's what these pictures are all about: the work, the f K g , trials, the late hours that cre- ated the play. All the neces- sary things that have to hap- pen before the audience can come in. All the evidence that proves it takes more than money to make a miser. wf1Qfi':1:- , Q ' V K 'f' I 5 , . . ...B - :I- r 6.-J':5 JT-'gf in 'S-......