Alief Elsik High School - Ramblings Yearbook (Houston, TX)

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Princess Winnefred (Teri Thornton) demonstrates to Prince Dauntless (JefT Montgomery) her Sally Dipasupiland Brian Rivcsincostumcfor determination to pass any test. N. St. Clair photo. dress rehearsal. C. Bell photo. Drama Play 117

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 Prince Dauntless (Jeff Montgomery) and the Court arc amazed at Fred’s (Tcri Thornton) extraordinary talents. N. St. Clair photo “Mattress” leaves impression The Drama Department's first major production for this year was the musical Once U pon A Mattress;” the story of the Princess and the Pea” jazzed up with music. The show was a huge success enjoyed by both adults and children. The chorus was extremely well cast as were the leads. The end of the first act featured two show-stopping numbers. One was the Spanish Panic,” an absolutely ex- hausting dance where all of the dancers eventually collapse; and the other was the “Song of Love,” in which the poor Princess had to do everything from lifting a large weight to flipping the Prince on his back. Act two featured a dance that was done by the Jester, with the help of his father's shadow. The show ran November 19-20 and there was a special half-price student matinee during which several of the middle school drama clubs attended. The entire cast and crew of Mattrcss feels that it was one of the best productions in Elsik's history.” said Mr. Neil St. Clair, director. Heidi Aydelott said, “1 loved it! it was alot of hard work but it was worth it in the end.” Rodney Cuellar, who played Sir Harry felt. The show was exquisitely cast and exceptionally directed!” Chris Lundquist. who also had a lead said. “Everyone in the cast was so good to work with.” Several administrators from the Theater Under The Stars said that it was one of the best high school productions they had ever seen. by Chris Ayres KinR Sextimus (Chris Hrubesh) watches asQucen Aggra vain (Anne Bcvcroth) gets her just desserts. Chris Evertte and Student Director Lujcan Kricsncr break during tryouts. P. KufTel photo. 116 Student Life

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The story behind the star “Biggest high in the world for me is to hear an audience laugh and applaud. It’s one of the best feelings I’ve ever felt.’’These are the words of Chris Ayres, one of the most distinguished performers in the Elsik High School Drama department. His very first inspiraton to act was triggered by Roddy McDowell and Vincent Price’s stunning performances on the screen. Thereafter, he knew his heart had succumbed to the “theatre,” which he defines as a realm of life where fantasy can become reality. He has since done over 100 plays during his eleven years of intense involvement in the theatre. One of the peak moments in his career was the 1981 State speech tournament. As a result of his outstanding performance playing Dudley Moore in “Beyond the Fringe,” one of the judges beamed that “Dudley deserves an Oscar. He’s a ten.” However, Chris has had some less than spectacular times. Once he was criticized for being too short, thus preventing him from winning that role. He rcmincsces, “I was mad after all, wasn’t Napoleon short?” And, what is his opinion about the Elsik Drama Department? Chris declares, “Mr. St. Claire is one of the best directors that we’ve ever had. Everyone is enjoying a great year.” He adds, “Mr. St.Clairc is more than merely a teacher. He’s a real friend who cares alot about the students he works with.” Interestingly enough, his favorite colors are red and black. The red symbolizes passion and ambition, which perfectly matches his personality. In fact, his visions for the future arc quite firm: “I want to be like Danny Kaye is on Broadway.” So, he has talent, ability, and years of invaluable experience, the ingredients that spell success. But what does he feel about life in general? Of course: “All the world is a stage. . by Yui Choe 118 Feature: Chris Ayres