E J Cooper High School - Talons Yearbook (New Hope, MN)

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 Behind the Scenes “It’s nice to get recognition, but I don’t think it’s the reason why I enjoyed being part of the musical. I enjoyed it because it was a challenge that was fun to meet,” stated senior Randy VanHeel who was a member of the Threepenny Opera cast, this year’s fall musical. Recognition isn’t something that is in abundance when it comes to those who are involved in Cooper drama. Oftentimes, the only glory a tech, costume, publicity or ticket crew member will get is a brief mention in the program. The ovation of the audience may seem thrilling to some, but in all reality it seems a minimal reward for the endless hours of work cast members have put in memorizing lines, mastering characterization and refining blocking techniques. “On the tech crew, we’re a fun loving group, but we have to be because we work hard, long hours together, stated junior Laurie Schroeder. Constructing sets, painting scenery and arranging props are jobs that kept the tech crew, and tech director Sandy Kane busy this year. Many students who got involved with tech crew found that they had to quit their jobs to find time to meet the deadlines. Those who worked on costume crews saw to it that the costumes were made to design and were available for dress rehearsals as well as actual performances. Publicity crews were responsible for distributing posters, and house managers, ushers and ticket sellers saw to it that the financial part of the production went smoothly. Foitfuie — 2S

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The Ugly Duckling The one-act play A. A. Milnes', The Ugly Duckling, was the choice for the Region 6AA contest play competition. On January 30 in Richfield, the play took second place with awards given to Bill Holmquist and Joan Kantorowicz for their star performance. “For being in my first play at Cooper, it was simply great,” said John Elsen. Other cast members were Liz Peterson, Andy Besnett, Todd Hanson, Phil Darg, Maura Forrest, and Wina Mortenson. The story takes place in the Middle Ages, the era of kings and castles. The king and queen try to marry off their plain daughter in an elaborate scheme, but it turns out that the prince and princess fall in love anyway and live happily ever after. The theme of the play is the idea that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. Jeff Phillips, the director of the play, commented on the show by saying, “I’ve really had fun directing, and everyone enjoyed themselves.” The play was presented to the student body during the school day. Senior Lisa Kottke, who saw the play, commented, “The play was well-acted. The success of the performance was due to the importance of every cast member.”