West High School - Warrior Yearbook (Rockford, IL)

Page 18 text:

9: is 02 .1....L, . fri . , A ' s mga? : 2 Y at, ass, I - -5 SSL? e V wwf' . - ' r il by .2 West High School's auditorium is a scene of bustling activity as the phase of the work that goes into the production of a top show is dis- members of the cast ready themselves for the big night. Nearly every played here in preparation for the comedy operetta, HMS Pinaforef' Songs, sailors, sea presented in the musical production Music, song, and dance were all a part of the annual oper- etta, Gilbert and Sul1ivan's HMS Pinaforef' This lighthearted musical was staged November 20 and 21 by the West High choral department under the direction of Mr. Floyd Ohlson. He Was assisted by student music director, Virginia Stover. Dram- atics director, Mr. Harry Lindberg, was assisted by student directors, Cindy Parker and jon Olson. Additional music was provided by the Symphonette and led by Mr. Donald Zimmer- man, Marci Ellis and Patricia Stevens added further talent as the two piano accompanists. Dance routines were handled by Robert Mackey, student choreographer. '-Romance and comedy at sea pour forth to form the plot. Josephine, daughter of Captain Corcoran, commander of the Pinafore, is destined by the will of her father to marry Sir Joseph Porter, High Lord Admiral of the Queen's Navy. The Several members of the Symphonette, musical group which provided the background music for this year's operetta, HMS Pinaforc-, wait leisurely in the orchestra pit for the director's signal to begin the strenuous rehearsal. 14

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Before the presentation of a play, there must be many rehearsals in order to achieve a successful production. Shown as they be- come acquainted with their individual parts are the cast members of the spring play, Witness for the Prosecution. After they are accustomed to their lines, the cast will put their speaking parts to action to give a vivid picture of the plot. Prosecution plot portrays dramatic tale of trial room Suspense and drama of the courtroom, complete with law- yers, jury, and the alleged criminal, were presented by cast members of the April 22 and 23 production of Witness for the Prosecution. The play, written by Agatha Christie, was sponsored by the Class of 1961. Witness for the Prosecution is a tale of a man who is being tried for the alleged murder of a wealthy woman, a former friend of his. As the story pro- ceeds one is thrown into a realm of suspicion, suspense, and the vivid scenes of the trial. Director Mr. Harry Lindberg, assisted by student directors Barbara Blank and Bobbie Burrows, began working his cast early in March. Cast as some of the prominent characters were Marcia Hartman as Gretag Dick Gadow, Winifred Robartsg Bonnie Rubin, janet McKenzie. Pam Richmond portrayed Romaine, and Bob Paul represented judge Wainwright. The dramatis personae consisted of a multitude of other actresses and actors, including a jury and the other constituents of a courtroom drama. The spring play is the final stage production of the year and marks the end of tryouts, practices, rehearsals, ticket sales, and stage fright for the participants. Q V i Q Play tryouts induce suspense and tension among interested studentsg but, upon discovering their good fortune as members of the chosen cast, Tom Cameron, Bob Paul, and Bill Gripp talk over the parts and their relationship to the plot of Witness for the Prosecution. , 13

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Little Buttercup comes on board the Pinafore to peddle her laces, buttons, ribbons, and bright-colored trinkets to the ship's crew. The sailors listen intently as she sings of the wares she has to sell. Captain Cotcoran's lovely daughter, Josephine, portrayed by Barb Blank, is wooed by her secret beau, Ralph Rackstraw, who, on bended knee, sings of great love for her. Ralph was played by Gary Gromer. Bright, colorful ladies and handsome, white-clad sailors make up the dancing chorus on Her Majesty's Ship Pinaforef' The stage is set and the costumed singers sail away into the hearts of the audience. titled HMS Pinafort-5 unhappy girl, however, loves another man, able seaman Ralph Rackstraw. Their romantic plans include elopement. The dar- ing scheme is exposed to the raging captain by the malicious sailor with the eye-patch, Dick Deadeye. Consequently, Ralph, whom the captain considers never to be a match for his pre- cious daughter, is thrown into the ship's brig. Little Buttercup, who is on board with her basket of lace, ribbons, and wares, reveals a well-kept secret that brings the production to a climax. She admits that she had been a nurse- maid for both Ralph and the captain as youngsters, and had, on one occasion, switched the two babies. A happy ending is achieved when Ralph becomes the captain and marries joseph- ine. The former Captain Corcoran changes places with Ralph Rackstraw and marries Buttercup. T