University of Southern California - El Rodeo Yearbook (Los Angeles, CA)

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NATIVITY PLAY

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Mary Aileen Dallwig Joseph Ben Marshall King Herod Paul Jones Henry Kehler Pilgrim Kings Severin Jansen Loyd Sissler p;i .-;rv, Don Bartelli rilgrims Michael Portanova Shepherds Henry Cross Erik Ritzau cL„„L „„j Helen Grant onepherdesses Madalyn McCallunn Jack Herzberg Courtiers and Clerks Azro Crossley Sam Gosney Announcers Alexander Whitney Margaret Heinann Direction Miss Florence Hubbard A Cappella Choir directed by the late John Smallman Presented against the original medieval cathedral setting, the first major offering of the year was the Chantilly Miracle play, a French drama of the Holy Nativity, written by a nun in the fifteenth century. Colorful background; ingenious use of lights to change scenes; traditional music by the organ; and Gregorian chants by the A Cappella choir contributed to make this performance a very inspiring and successful one. A fine performance was given by Aileen Dallwig as the Virgin Mary. Her spiritually restrained interpretation won high praise. As Joseph, Ben Marshall showed his accustomed understanding and ability. Contrasting with the simple costumes of these characters was the splendor and pomp of King Herod, played by Paul Jones, and the three pilgrim kings enacted by Henry Kehler, Severin Jansen, and Loyd Sissler. An explanatory prologue was rendered by Michael Portanova, as a pilgrim priest. Highlights of the play were the annunciation scene, the adoration of the infant Jesus, the arrival of the three kings, and the simple but inspiring climax.

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THE REPRESENTATIVE FROM California Mr. Farnum Georgia Mr. Peebles Illinois Mr. Solomon Fitzmaurice. . .Don Bartelli .William Nash .Ben Marshall Maryland Mr. Simeon Gray. Henry Kehler Massachusetts Mr. Dell Robert Soderberg Montana Miss McMurtry Ruby Hoff Nebraska Mr. Sneden Sam Gosney Nevada Alan McClean Robert Hall New York Mr. Wingblatt Joseph Shoben Pennsylvania Mr. Eddie Wister William Poulsen Texas Mr. Levering Paul Mueller Wisconsin Mr. Ebner Harry Eddy Marjorie Gray Jane Bellows Greta Nillson (Bus) Elinor Brown Merton Irving Moss Mark (the office Boy ) Erik Ritzau Reflecting current political chicanery was the pre- sentation of Both Your Houses , the v ell known Maxwell Anderson Pulitzer prize-winning play. With its Capitol setting, opportunity was provided for the use of some of the most elaborate sets ever constructed at the University. An idealistic spirit is present in the story which con- cerns the efforts of a newly elected representative at Washington to prevent the raiding of the national treasury. Robert Hall portrayed the conscientious sen- ator trying to halt the passage of a pork barrel bill. Solomon Fitzmaurice, a congressman with few scruples, who attempts to show his upright colleague the ropes was characterized by Ben Marshall. As the secretary who had served seven congressmen, Elinor Brown handled her part creditably. Playing a two night run, the play was well-received by capacity audiences in Touchstone theater. The po- litical atmosphere was well sustained by the selection of a cast of experienced actors and the effective settings produced by the production staff. 168