California State University Chico - Record Yearbook (Chico, CA)

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DRAM!-XTICS HE SPIRIT of the Chico State Dramatics Department must be a reincarnation of the spirit belonging to that fabled bird, the phoenix, judging from the way it has risen out of the ashes of the disastrous fire two years ago. ln spite of almost insurmountable dilliculties as a result of the fire, the depart- ment has been of greater service to the community and has made a brighter record for itself this year than ever before. Every member is alive with ambition and energy and a willingness to serve. Such a state of affairs never 'ijust happens but is brought about by wisely directed leadership and in this case, the director, Miss Anna Louise Barney being not only a dramatist but a poet as well, has that dynamic quality and that vision which inspires in all her students a determina-- tion to succeed. One of the problems of the department has been to provide opportunity for aspiring Thespians to gain experience in public performance. This has been solved by the giving of student directed class performances. A variety of plays has been selected and different casts chosen in-soffar as was possible, thus afford- ing practice for a large number of students both in acting and directing. One of the happy results of this plan has been the discovery of unexpected talent in a number of instances. This year for the first time original work has been done by the dramatics department in writing plays. Two plays of this nature were produced on Pioneer Day. The lirst, a burlesque on our own dramatics department and the modern drama, was written in collaboration by Raymond Denlay and Stacy Wiser. The second, a burlesque on The Front Page, a Broadway success, now running in San Francisco, was written by Hamel McKay. The general public, understanding little of the creative or technical side of producing plays: dazzled by the glamour of the footlights, and carried away by witnessing the play, do not think of the long hours spent by the author in writ- ing it, nor the efforts of those who attend to the costumes, lighting, scenery, tickets and publicity. 35 Ea..-

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Dear The The The Easy Pipe Pipe Plays of the advanced class were: Christmas Chime-November l, coached by M. R. Hitt. Departed-November l, coached by Louis Olker. Merediths Entertain-December 13, coached by Dorothy Brown Rocking Chair Row-December 19, coached by B. E. Mason. Cast Rehearsal-December 19, coached by Adis Hills. Terms-December 19, coached by Dora Montgomery and Bethel Ery of Peace-January 16, coached by Kenneth Moore. r's Pay-January 16, coached by Zelma Petersen. 'Op O' Me Thumb-January 23, coached by Miss Barney. Kleptomaniac-January 23, coached by Pauline Huse. The Managers-March 15. Other People's Husbands-March 15. Two plays which were given at the regular assembly were Evening Dress Indispensable and Rich Man, Poor Man. The latter, a one-act farce replete with laughable situations, was vociferously applauded by the student body. The plot was laid at a rummage sale in the poor section of a small city. The hero of the play CMario Caprij won the lady of his choice by a practical demonstration of his willingness to sacrifice everything--even his nether garments-for her. It was directed by Dorothy Brown under Miss Barney's supervision with the fol- lowing cast: Emma, Maeola Eastburn: Kitty, Clara Powers: Peter, Mario Caprig Yetta Goldstein, Helen Hitt: Mrs. Bonelli, Helen Merrifield: Mrs. Ole Oleson. Evelyn Perigo: Mrs. X. Y. Smith, Thelma Cleek: Visiting Nurse, Adeline Olm- stead: Largo Johnson, Elvin Miller: Mrs. Patrick Haggerty, Ella Wohlfrom: Mrs. Tammas MacPherson, Ruth Watterson. A number of plays have been presented before various outside clubs and organizations to satisfy an increasing popular demand for such entertainment. CHRISTMAS CHIMEH A repetition of this brief, interesting play by Margaret Cameron was pre- sented before the Girls' Hi Y of the Chico High School. It was directed by Mrs. Cecil Hitt fMiriam Rileyj. UNDER TWENTY This was one of the important plays given during the fall season. Written by Westerfelt and Clements and produced under the direction of Anna Louise Barney by an exceptionally good cast, it pleased a large audience at the College auditorium. A dog playing the part of a detective created quite a sensation in this play. The characters in the play were: Ida Parnum, ,,,,,.,,.,,,.,,.,,,,,.,, ,..,.....,.. . .. ...,. ..-.. ....... Mirianl Hitt Grace Farnum ..r..., Peeks Earnum.--.--- Rannie ............. Russell Earnum ----,-Elizabeth Laughlin Antonia Faulkner --------Adeline Olmstead -----------,-Steve Vugrenecz B111 Boyd, -,,.----,,-- - .,.,.......,........ Mario Capri Diana Edgerton., ,V,,,- L ........ .Dorothy BrO,WI1 Ted Rutherford .....,. ......... . .--Y--.James R11Gy Donald Brown.--... ........................,................... .R3YIHOHd DGHIHY By Herself Nina .,.............. .............. ..................... ...-....-............. EVENING DRESS INDISPENSABLEH-MARCH 6 This delightful society comedy was enacted before the School Women's Club -..gf 35 19..- , J.. Y