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

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' i ABOVE: Loren Saw at sky, John Elsen and Mike Dols discuss the next act. RIGHT: tVina Mortensen transforms herself into Madame Dubonnet. 24 Pea lure

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Cooper Presents “The Boy Friend” The Boy Friend was a musical for all ages. The lively songs and dances entertained audiences thoroughly. It's the typical boy meets girl, fall in love story line. Polly Brown (Christy Montour) a rich young lady attending finishing school in Nice, France, is distressed because her father (John Elscn) thinks men arc just after her for her money. She then pretends to have a boyfriend for the Carnival Ball. The school’s head mistress (Wina Mortcn-son) finds out about her situation and decides to talk to her father about it. Polly’s father happens to be an old flame from the past, and their renewed acquaintance sparks old feelings. They fall in love once again. Polly falls in love with Tony Brockhurst (Mike Dols), a messenger boy who thinks she is merely a secretary. What follows is a comedy of errors and mistaken identities. In the end all identities are discovered, and they both find they come from wealthy backgrounds. Highlights from the show include “Won't You Charleston With Me?” sung and danced by Bobby (Loren Sawatsky) and Maisic (Alice Rowland); also, The Carnival Tango,” danced by Belinda Nitzkorski and Tom Arscncau. Senior John Elscn summed up the show: “The musical was the most fantastic experience I’ve ever had. The cast and crew came together to put on a marvelous show, which the drama department can be very proud of. TOP: |’ e got the you-don't-want-to-pUy-with-mr blues. ABOVE: The French Riviera is filled with romance and fun. Musical — 23

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A Look Behind the Scenes After a performance, the audience usually leaves pleased after seeing a good show. If they know about all the hard work involved, their appreciation is doubled. Cast and crews spent months preparing for this year’s production of The Boyfriend. Crews included set construction, lights, make-up. publicity, costumes, and props. As opening night drew closer, rehearsals involved intense work in perfecting music, blocking, choreography and delivery. Cast members worked under Gretchen Heath and Dan Drcsscn, who also conducted the orchestra. Carol Kilcullcn-Soltis worked as Direction Assistant: Lisa Gustafson and Wendy Reid were Student Directors. The musical included many complicated dance numbers. These were choreographed by Anne Marie Gillen. Anne Marie spent many hours teaching cast members steps and timing. Dance was not the only aspect that had to be fit to the time period. Mr. and Mrs. Marccll designed and sewed costumes to suit the era. Caryl Buggc, House Supervisor, arranged all ticket sales with the assistance of House Manager. Ann Lish. They also arranged for a staff alumni meeting and performance for the elderly. “Techies worked after school and weekends, even up to the last minute, on set construction. Sets were designed by Jeff Phillips and construction was completed under the direction of Sandra Kanc-Laidlaw. During the final week, dedicated members of the Tech Crew stayed after school, sometimes even until midnight, to finish the set. Devoted people arc involved in any production. The applause at the end of a show arc for the people behind the scenes as well as for the people on the stage.