West High School - Warrior Yearbook (Rockford, IL)

Page 20 text:

hristmas greetings Stage decor and setting are vital elements of the annual Christmas pageant. Three junior boys create and examine the effect the traditional Yule-tide tree will have on the audience. Chuck Ogilby begins the climb to help perched Charles Lorch, as Arthur Holgerson remains grounded. engrossed in the tree ornaments.

Page 19 text:

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

Page 21 text:

Repeating the familiar story of the birth of Christ was the privilege bestowed upon Seniors DiAnna Myers and Steve Wolf. As narrators of the 1959 pageant, their story, along with the Nativity scenes, wove an inspirational fabric of Christmas spirit for West. kindle spark in student life December ushers in the Christmas seasong and as it comes. West High is adorned and enveloped with Yule-tide decor. greetings, and spirit. The contagious good-will that belongs to this holiday time is spread among faculty, administration, students, and everyone in the building. The approach of the twenty-fifth induces preparation for the annual Christmas pageant held the last day before Christmas vacation. The choral groups, band, and orchestra enjoy prac- ticing favorite carols. Students exchange Christmas cards, gifts, and good wishes. Sometimes, captured by the bubbling spirits, teachers join in by giving lighter assignments. Homeroom cor- ners are brightened by decorated trees. West bustles with the spirit of Christmas. Then the day for the presentation of the pageant arrives. High-spirited activity is subdued to give way to the peace of commemoration of the glorious birth of jesus. This year's Nativity scenes were accented with the use of a net curtain and soft-colored lights which illuminated the manger scene. The resulting effect was similar to a painting and created an impressive view for the audience. Each new scene blended with the strains of traditional music provided by the Symphonette, band, and choral groups, includ- ing A Cappella and the glee clubs. Additional accompaniment was provided by Senior Diane Swenson on the organ. The nar- rators, DiAnna Myers and Steve Wolf, repeated the story from the Bible. Scenes, including the Annunciation, the Birth, and the Adoration, were re-enacted by students portraying the Biblical characters, a perfect highlight to a beautiful season. Greeting cards and Christmas gifts are tokens of the friendship and good-will which add to the gaiety of the holidays. Cindy Bouray and janet Anderberg of West take time out to express their best wishes to friends with bedecked gifts and joyful greetings. Despite their elaborate costumes fit for Kings and shepherds, these three cast members of the 1959 Christmas pageant, Seniors Joe Rokus, Bruce Black, and Robert Paul take time out between assemblies in order to restore their vitality with a quick lunch. 17