Camrose High School - Royal Blue and Gold Yearbook (Camrose, Alberta Canada)

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Operetta MIKADO For many of us the most important event of the social calendar was “Our Operetta.” Early in February the Glee Club, under the direc¬ tion of Mr. McCleary, started work on the comic operetta, “The Mikado” by Gilbert and Sullivan. After hours and hours of practices, the final dress rehersals rolled around all too soon and March 23, 24 and 25 came even more quickly. The principals were as followes: Mikado of Japan - -- -- --.Red Evenson, Wes Gerber Nanki-Poo (his son) a disguised minstrel - -- -- -- - -Wallace Johnston Ko-Ko (Lord High Executioner of Titipu) - -- -- -- -- - Bob Hagel Pooh-Bah (Lord High Everything Else) ----------- Sid Fehr Pish-Tush (a Noble Lord) ------------ Floyd Fossen Yum-Yum (Ward of Ko-Ko) ------- Laverne Feragen, Bonnie McLeod Pitti-Sing (Ward of Ko-Ko) -.- Barbara Howarth, Gwen Smith Peep-Bo (Ward of Ko-Ko) ----------- Reta Hilliard Katisha (an elderly lady in love with Nanki Poo) - Lois Cleveland, Marion Hilland The remainder of the cast was composed of nobles of Japan and Yu m Yum’s schoolmates. At the Matinee on March 22 all seemed in fine shape but beware! The next day measles struck down our Mikado Red Evenson. Fortunately Wes Gerber was able to fill in the breach. Back stage even those who claimed not to be nervous were a little jumpy. Actors and actresses were scurrying about repairing make-up that had been uncon¬ sciously rubbed off, sucking lemons or trying to remember cues. After several appearances on stage, however, courage and confidence moun¬ ted. Spirits likewise soared to new heights on each consecutive evening. In fact emotions were so tense on the final evening that the actors could not refrain from turning away for mirth in one exceptionally fine scene. This momentary lapse only added to the audience’s enjoyment. The tremendous applause following the finale testified to a most delight¬ ful evening for all. At the conclusion of Saturday evening’s performance, the cast began the merrymaking by presenting a charming parody of “Charlie My Boy.” Lovely gifts were then presented to Miss Shaw, Corinne Leisen and Mr. McCleary as a token of our appreciation and remem¬ brance of their work. After removing our make-up we were treated to a delicious lunch prepared by the Home and School Association. We shall long remember our production of “The Mikado,” e’en though our Trig formulas and French verbs may vanish. How would it be possible to erase the memory of yellow tans and slanting eye¬ brows, acquired at the hands of the merciless make-up committee? The colorful k ' imonas and pyjamas, the cluster of flowers and those amusing pigtails really made us feel Japanese. No indeed, we shall never forget the sympathetic “Titwillow”, “The Wandering Minstrel” or “If You Want To Know Who We Are!” The tremendous success of the operetta must be chiefly attrib¬ uted to Mr. McCleary who so capably and willingly directed the many voices. Corinne should also receive credit and a word of thanks, for we feel sure that a more patient accompanist “just couldn’t be found.” To all those who prepared posters and stage sets, to the drama class, make¬ up and lighting crews, and especially to the many Camrosians who so kindly lent costumes for the occasion, we should like to simply say “thank you very much.” 39

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April 21 was the first day of spring for C. H. S. students. As a tonic for spirits wearied by countless (?) hours of studying for Easter exams, “The Rustle of Spring” lured our girls into their gayest attire. The gym itself was beautifully decorated for the occasion by pastel streamers, provided by Gordon and gang. Dickinson’s orchestra, as if imbued with spring fever, kept us whirling gaily in polkas, waltzes, fox trots and hilarious square dances throughout the evening. Outstanding featues of the dance were the waltz and jitterbug contests. Two of our guests from Bawlf won the prizes for their waltz¬ ing, while Lorraine Terry and Eddy Wong gave an exhibition of energetic jive which captured the jitterbug honors. During the evening, Gwen Smith favoured us with two numbers. A enjoyable lunch, served by Norma Jean and her committee, sustained the weary dancers for another hour. Too soon, however, twelve o’clock rolled around and to the strains of the “Home Sweet Home” we bade farewell to another successful school dance. 38

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Graduation Graduation, that dream-dusted day which we had anticipated for so many years, finally became a reality on May 18. Graduands with their proud parents and guests gathered in the High School Auditorium at 6:30 that evening for a delicious turkey dinner prepared by the ladies of the Anglican Church. Following the banquet, Bob Robinson, President of the Students’ Union proposed the toast to the King and everyone rose to sing “God Save the King” in response. A toast to Camrose High School was proposed by Gwen Halstead of the Graduating Class with W. L. Knaut responding. Mr. E. Basant, in his toast to the Graduands, provided some sound advice which we, as young men and women and citizens of this country, should remember throughout our lives. Dave Gilmour, President of the Graduating Class, replied suitably to this toast. The first number on the very enjoyable programme was a cornet solo by Virgil Nelson. Bob Hagel revived memories of the “Mikado” by a touching rendition of “Tit-Willow” and then amused us with his jazzed version of it. A sextet consisting of Barbara Howarth, Laveme Feragen, Verna Stewart, Delores Neske, Eleanor Lomas and Verna Lomas entertained us with the harmonious “June Rhapsody.” Dr. W. H. Swift, the Deputy Minister of Education, as our guest speaker, set forth a few of the characteristics of an educated person. The well-bred man of to-day is easily recognized by his ready fund of know¬ ledge, his unbiased attitude, his critical mind developed through exper¬ ience and his willingness to accept responsibility. We thoroughly enjoyed Dr. Swift’s inspiring words. The Valedictory address which followed was ably delivered by Sylvia Isakson, 4a