Alliance High School - Bulldog Yearbook (Alliance, NE)

Page 22 text:

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

Page 21 text:

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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“The Sythe” is a terrifying prose selection, presented by Junior Laurie Hoff. Forensics Team Wins Variety of Placings Placing first in the District Class A Speech Contest, along with qualifying nine for state, was the highlight for the Alliance Forensics Team. Alliance’s only event placer in state competition was Jim Podhaisky, who placed fourth in After Dinner Speaking. Jim Podhaisky relates the humorous aspects found throughout speech contests. Long nights of hard work and dedication in revising, editing, and cutting, experienced by all thirteen members and Coach Don Clarke, ended only in disappointment. A bubbling personality is a vital part of Tracy Swanson’s after-dinner speech, entitled “Avon, what a calling.” Facial expressions are a large part of Gerald Messer-smith’s humorous prose presentation. Oral Interpretation of Drama: Jim Podhaisky, Charlene Edwards, Gerald Messersmith, Lori DeFord, and Jeff Gonzalez-four superiors. Oral Interpretation of Poetry: Charlene Edwards-two superiors and two excellents. Duet Acting: Brian Rockey and John Paulsen-three superiors and one excellent. After Dinner Speaking: Jim Podhaisky—two superiors and two excellents in preliminaries and one superior and two excellents in the finals, placing fourth in the state. After Dinner Speaking: Tracy Swanson-one superior, two excellents, and one good. Original Public Address: Patty Kollars-three superiors and one excellent. After his total physical breakdown in “Equus,” Alan, portrayed by John Paulsen, is comforted by Dysart, performed by Brian Rockey. 19