Alliance High School - Bulldog Yearbook (Alliance, NE)

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Thespians Have Active Year The International Thespian Society is an honorary theatrical organization for high school students, who have been active in stage productions. The Alliance High Thespian Troupe, under the direction of Mr. Don Clarke, had twenty-eight members, the largest troupe ever. The Thespians were very busy this year; many helped build sets, make candy and sell tickets for the all-school musical. Each Thespian is required to take an active part in each production in either an acting or technical capacity. The pride of the Thespians was the play, “Dark of the Moon.” There were thirty-two parts in the play and each Thespian had an opportunity for a part. The Thespians also attended a workshop in Chadron, which offered ideas on mime techniques and the planning of productions. The Thespians have been a valuable asset to the theatrical productions through the years and have proven Mr. Clarke’s belief that, “Behind all successful productions lies a good Thespian troupe.” Members are: Michelle Bilstein, Tom Goaley, Jeff Gonzalez, John Paulsen, Jana Weed, Brian Vandeventer, Gerald Messersmilh, Tracy Swanson, Dana Toedtli, Andrew Meade, Jim Podhaisky, Sandi Bowen, Pam Curtiss, Laurie Hoff, Lara Dalbey, Andrew Brittan, Natalie Laucr, Brian Rockcy, Rick Parish, Lori DeFord, Charlene F.dwards. Thespian members Brian Vandeventer and Natalie Lauer put their acting abilities to work in the all-school musical “Oliver.” r Officers of Thespian Troupe No. 3146 are: Secretary-Treasurer Michelle Bilstein, President Thespian Sponsor Don Clarke expresses the John Paulsen, Vice President Jeff Gonzalez and Sponsor Don Clarke. outcome of the weekly noon meetings. 16

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Twist to Oliver l ine choreography helps set the mood as Dodger, Gerald Messersmith, considers Oliver, Steve l orney, as one of the family. At the three cripples’ pub, Lori De-I'ord dances to the amusement of the spectators. Mr. Bumble, Brian Vandeventer, and Mr. Sow-erberry, Andrew Brittain, argue over the price of Oliver. Dodger greets townspeople. Lori Montague and Laura Lauer, on the street. Oliver! the 1978 all-school musical was not only an artistic success, but a financial success as well. The musical played to full houses all three nights. The play centers around the orphan, Oliver. He lives in a workhouse with all the other orphans. Mr. Bumble, the master of the workhouse, sells Oliver to the morticians, who are cruel to him. Oliver decides to run away, where he meets Jack Dawkins, better known as the Artful Dodger. He takes Oliver to Fagin, who shows him how to pick a pocket. Oliver soon gets into a lot of trouble with the police. A kind old gentleman gets Oliver from the police. When the old man realizes that Oliver is his grandson, he wants the boy to live with him forever, however, Oliver is then kidnapped by the villain. Bill Sykes. Nancy, Sykes’ girlfriend, then helps Oliver escape to his grandfather, where he lives a happy life. In charge of the musical this year were Mrs. Dowling, who was the musical director and organ player, and Mr. Running, who played the piano. Mr. Clarke, the director, stated that, “The enthusiasm and reception of the musical has encouraged Mrs. Dowling and 1 to do a musical every year instead of every other year.” The play surpassed any other dramatic performances done at AHS and continued the school’s fine theatrical tradition. 15

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Thespian Play “Dark of the Moon99 Moves Alliance Audiences The witches tempt John to leave Barbara and return to the mountains. Lighting Technician Donna McCall proves that behind every good production, there is an equally important role back stage. During a town revival meeting, Edna Summey and Hank Gudger ask Preacher Haggler to pray for God’s forgiveness for their sin. John, the witch boy, visits the Allen cabin to ask Barbara to be his lawful wedded wife, despite the many odds against them. Til get married when I got a mind to, Edna Summey!” screams Barbara Allen at the town square. Audiences were treated to an entirely different theme and style of play on May 3, 4, and 5, when the AHS Thespian Troupe presented “Dark of the Moon.” Common superstition and hatred earmarked the people of Buck Creek in the Smokey Mountains. The basic theme of the play was a love story between a young witch boy, John, and a human girl, Barbara Allen. The result was a twisted web of sour feelings and fear. In the end, Barbara is killed, and John leaves for the mountains with his supernatural friends. The cast included: Dana Toedtli, Laurie Hoff, Jim Podhai-sky, Gerald Messersmith, Natalie Lauer, Rick Parish, Lori DeFord, Lara Dalbey, Brian Rockey, Michelle Bilstein, Andrew Meade, Tom Goaley, Jeff Gonzalez, John Harris, Andrew Brittan, Sandi Bowen, John Reilly, Pam Curtiss, Anne Mundt, John Paulsen, Charlene Edwards, Kim Everton, Waldo Smith, Tracy Swanson, and Brian Vandeventer. The play was directed by Mr. Don Clarke. Choreography was by Mrs. Janet Clarke. 17