Alliance High School - Bulldog Yearbook (Alliance, NE)

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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

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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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One-Act Receives Disappointing Rating at State “Night,” by Leonard Meifi, was the selection for the district one-act competition at Chad-ron this year. The play easily received a superior rating. After practicing for two weeks, the cast headed for Kearney with their hopes high for a good placing in state competition. Unfortunately, the one-act suffered a defeat in the preliminaries at the hands of a Lincoln East production, which later went on to win the overall competition. The play dealt with the audience’s feeling with the play rather than just observing the performers’ actions. The concept of the play was misinterpreted by a judge, and the Alliance team came up with a very low rating. Undaunted, the cast came back to polish, edit, and practice, for the district oral interpretation competition in March. Cast members included: Jeff Gonzalez, Fibber Kidding; Charlene Edwards, Filagree Bones; Lori DeFord, Miss Indigo Blue; Gerald Messersmith, Dobin Brest Western; and Jim Podhaisky, Man. The one-act was produced by Mr. Don Clarke and student directed by John Paulsen. Charlene Edwards tries desperately to get her point across to Jeff Gonzalez. Members of the cast mockingly try to comfort Jeff Gonzalez after his breakdown. Jim Podhaisky enters carrying the body of DOG, which he must bury. Gerald Messersmith conveys his many feelings for the man in the coffin. Lori DeFord and Charlene Edwards confront each other as to which of them the man in the coffin really loves. A moment of tranquility is witnessed by the cast during the burial of DOG. 18