Catholic Central High School - Banner Yearbook (Fort Madison, IA)

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SIXTY-EIGHT

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- DRAMATICS No English Course however perfect, is complete without a thorough study of the difficult art of expression. And' in no way can this be more practically taught than in the presentation of plays, dramas, and pageants. True to this dictum, the Department of English of the C. C. H. offers a complete course in Dramatics to all who are gifted with the talent for public speaking and who are willing to lend their time and energy to the upbuilding of their high-school stage. Due to the large number of students, only Seniors and Juniors were de- clared eligible for membership in the Shakespearean Dramatic Guild. Though the members do not consider themselves Shakespearean stars, nevertheless they have earned high commendation and much deserved praise from competent judges, for their really good dramatic work of the past year. Three difficult plays were presented by them: Penrod, a high-class royalty play, a dramatized version of Booth Tarkington's own inimitable Penrodg Vision, a Passion Play, a remarkable study in dramatic art with a delicacy of suggestion of the sacred Characters and a beauty of effects not easily surpassedg the Senior Class Play, The Man of the Hour, a heavy drama in four acts, was presented on May 13th. It is based on a need, not of these times, but of all times, namely, the need of incoruptible men, men to fill our political places, men who can not be bought, but who are ready and willing to sacrifice what they hold dearest and best when the voice of duty calls. The title role, Alwyn Bennet, who proved himself to be truly the Man of the Hour, was ably filled by Mr. Gilbert Kessler. Charles Wainwright, the unscrupu- lous moneyed man, was forcibly portrayed by Mr. Bernard Kriegerg Scott H. Gibbs, the smooth-faced grafter, could not have been better in real life than he was presented by Mr. Norbert Rose. Richard Horigan, the political boss, control- led not only his victims on the stage, but the audience as well, by his powerful speeches. Mr. Paul Albers as Perry Wainwright, relieved the seriousness of the drama by his ever-ready wit and wholesome mirth. Miss Helen Capwell as Miss Wainwright convincingly showed what a boon is a real woman to man. ' All the characters did full credit to their roles: Judge Newman, Mr. Joseph Heitzg Henry Thompson, Mr. Robert Williamsg Richard Roberts, Mr. George Thinker: James Phelan, Mr. William Wagner: Henry Williams, Mr. Robert Guen- ther, Arthur Payne, Mr. Louis Zumbroegelg Ingram, Mr. Adelbert Solheidg Cyn- thia Garrison, Miss Geneva Carney, Mrs. Bennett, Miss Margaret Heitzg Portress, Miss Elizabeth Kienerg Maid in Wainwright Home. Miss Louise Kassmeyer. The Shakespearean Dramatic Guild of the Catholic Central High never lorget that theirs is a Catholic stage, which like every stage, should be a pulpit from which is preached, although unconsciously, the finest, noblest lessons of life, not in the garish garb of the cheap vaudeville, but in the sober lines of true dramatic art. SIXTY-SEVEN

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x SHAKESPEARE DRAMATIC CLUB Top Row: Robert Williams '28, Paul Albers '28, Gilbert Kessler '28, George Thinker '28, John Richey '29, Norbert Rose '28, Second Row: Raymond Helling '29, Marie Gockel '29, Carl Super '28, Beatrice Childres '29, Lucille.Rose '29, Robert Linsenmeyer '29, Beatrice Phelan '2Q, VVilliam VVagner '28. Bottom Row: Geneva Carney '28, Bernard Krieger '28, Mary Einspanjer '29, Helen Capwell '28, Adeline Biggs '29, Raymond Pohlmeyer '29, Johanna Vonderhaar '29. Though each member of the Dramatic Guild deserves honorable mention for the excellent work done in the assigned part, the following merit special praise : Paul Albers as excellent character impersonator in all high-school plays. Gilbert Kessler as Malchus, father of Esther and hater of Christ, in the Vision, Norbert Rose in the difficult role of Judas in the Vision, Raymond Helling as Penrod in Penrod. Carl Super as Jechonias, the rejected suitor of Esther and enemy of Dismas, in the Vision. Bernard Krieger as David, the accepted suitor of Esther, in the Vision, Robert Linsenmeyer as Thomas Bartlett in The Confession, Johanna Vonderhaar as Esther, the blind daughter of Malchus, in the Vision, ut SIXTY-NINE