Berkeley High School - Olla Podrida Yearbook (Berkeley, CA)

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The Merchant of Venice V SHAKESPEARE has once more been commemorated in the hearts of Berkeley High School ' s lovers of drama by the successful presentation of the Merchant of Venice which took place on the evening of May 9. The Dramatic Interpretation Class proved their ability and the perfection attained under the able direction of Mr. Winter, to whom all thanks are due. Old Shylock, a Jewish money- lender, about whom the story centers, is a character part with most difficult passions to portray; yet Cyrus Friedmann, to whom the part was assigned, carried it off with marked ability, interpreting Shylock as it was meant he should be, — dignified, emo- tional, cold, bloodthirsty, and deeply pas- sionate. A beautiful and inspiring vision was Emma Knox as fair Portia and little wonder is it that the hearts of her numer- ous suitors were set a-tripping at the mere sight of her. Portia ' s great charm, beauty, and spirit were impressed upon the audi- ence by this already well-known player whose talent and splendid acting will not soon be forgotten. Harold Woolsey played the part of Bassanio, a young noble of Venice, who proved to be the lucky suitor to Portia. As a gentleman and a lover he displayed all the qualities of such with spirit and feeling, playing a pleasing opposite to Lady Portia. The Merchant, Antonio, was ren- dered in a splendid style by Albert Lee with all the sad dignity and grace which belonged to this admirable friend of Bass anio.

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This was followed by The Spirit of the River , a dance interpreted by Anita Avila and Consuela Kaelin in the most graceful, colorful, and beautiful manner one would wish to see. The dancers displayed marked talent and were a feature of the evening. Next came a charming skit by Nettleton Whitney, called The Three Trees , which drew many a laugh and was excellently interpreted by the actors, in- cluding the bee-uti-ful bubbling spring and the stump ! Another marked attraction was the Fashion Review by Marian Coleman and Eleanor Gimbal. From a large picture frame in the center of the setting there stepped, in turn, fifteen beautiful girls illustrating the succeeding styles from the Indian and the dainty Colonial lady to the fresh and breezy girl of today. Beauty, harmony of sound and color, and originality pervaded the atmosphere of this charming picture and the whole was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. And last, but by far not least, of these clever skits came Odds and Ends of 1919 , a musical attraction presented by the Boys ' Glee Club which has a reputation for good talent and originality. The Glee Club gave an excellent finish to an excellent program by coyly grouping themselves in Spring bonnets and under dainty parasols as they sang Mary to the delight of all. The Orchestra ' s exit march was accompanied by regrets in the hearts of the audience that the enjoyable evening was so soon over. Thanks are due to the stage crew, Charles Oliver, Fuller Lyman, Nelson Chick, Inman Beck, Wilbur Boies, and Herb Ross for their remarkably quick and efficient work behind the scenes; also to Miss McLean and Miss Heinz for their indispensable aid in helping to make this Vodvil the successful production it proved to be.

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Portia could not have wished for a sweeter, lovelier companion than Nerissa, as played by Rosemary Browning. Her soft words of comfort in time of weakness served as an inspiration, not alone to Portia, but to the audience as well. David McCullough as Gratiano proved to be a right hearty friend of Bassanio and Antonio, although something of a chatterbox, yet one whom you liked to have near, if merely to hear him talk. Allie Porter was given the part of Jessica, the rich Jew ' s daughter. And a sly little shrew she made, stealing her father ' s wealth and Lorenzo ' s heart with all the charm and coquetry imaginable. Her lover, Lorenzo, was ardent in his expressions of regard and appre- ciation and was played most convincingly by Philip Urner to the delight of all. The comedy element in this performance was far from lacking; rather, it was very firmly implanted in our memories by the excellent acting of William Hosselkus and Thomas Debagh as the two clowns, Old Gobbo and Launcelot . Those who played the parts of the Duke, Prince of Morocco , Tubal, gentlemen, court-ladies, and servants offered a wonderful support to the prin- cipals and contributed greatly to the success of the play. Most heartfelt thanks are due Miss McLean, Mrs. De Luce, and Miss Marshall for their inestimable contributions of patience and labor which have helped to inscroll The Merchant of Venice indelibly upon the memories of those who saw it and upon the growing list of Mr. Winter ' s Shakespearean productions.