Edina West Upper Division - Windigo Yearbook (Edina, MN)

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To Business T own Preface it began as an idea In Shepard Mead's head. He wrote a book entitled, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Then three men, Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock, and Willie Gilbert, took the book’s idea and transformed it into a play. Frank Loesser wrote music and lyrics for a musical. Mr. Peterson, Edina's musical director, chose this certain musical for a reason: it had a large cast, many leads, and lively music. Also the Edina community could identify with the business scene. Act I Auditions for the play were announced the first day of school, and began the following week. They included dancing, singing, and reading tryouts. Mr. Peterson and Mr. John Command, a professional artistic director and choreographer. kept their eyes open for students with the necessary and appropriate talents. After many difficult decisions, the cast of about fifty was chosen. Receiving the lead roles were Dan Felton as Finch, Annie Hubbard as Rosemary, Mary Anne Sullivan as Smitty, Mike Mol-lerus as Frump. Jay Bender as J.B. Big-ley. and Bethany Rogers as Hedy. Act II The rehearsals were long, tiresome, and frustrating. Scenes had to be repeated again and again until perfection was in sight. Mr. Peterson and John Command combined their talents to guide the cast to a professional-like production. Dress rehearsals were the final step and provided a time to iron out any kinks and to get an idea of what the final performance would be like. Make-up and costumes were worn for the first time. The adrenalin began to flow and every cast Continued on next page 20 FALL MUSICAL

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‘‘Riding on the float was a real trip!” -Stephanie Barth 3. Creating rousing enthusiasm among their senior classmates. Andy Johnson and Dave Glannoble sound their spirited cry. 4. Capturing first prize In the Homecoming parade, the Latin Club float displays both creativity and imagination. Under the theme Buzz The Eagles Bald. the Kennedy mascot has a hair-owing experience at the Hornet’s Nest Barber Shop. HOMECOMING 19

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 7 ..'t . professional director and not being seated like high school kids made our product on a professional one. -Dan Felton 1. Portraying the dedicated businessman. Scott Murray sings about the Company Way 2. Chaos breaks out at the World Wide Wicket Company when the employees discover there's no codec. 3. Annie Hubbard as Rosemary dreams of the day when she can marry Finch and be able “To Keep His Dinner Warm . 4. Mike Mollerus as Frump musically announces his promotion to the head of the mallroom. 5. Jay Bender and Dan Felton give a rousing cheer for their alma mater's mascot — Ihe groundhog member “got Into his character. Act III Rehearsals after rehearsals became long and tedious and the cast needed occasional relaxation. A successful Halloween party was one event that provided this relaxation for the cast and director alike. Close friendships were developed and the cast became a sort of family. “The performances were great, but the cast parties were better! declared senior Mike Mollerus. Finale The actual performances — a time to display the hours of hard work and effort — finally arrived. How to Succeed was a story of a man, J. Pierrepont Finch, who was climbing up the ladder of success, and of the girl who loved him and hung to him and eventually won her prize. His success was due to one set of simple rules in a book called How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. By following these instructions he soon became the chairman of the board of the World Wide Wicket Company. There were certain obstacles he had to overcome, however. The boss’s nephew, the lascivious secretary, other executives, and Mr. Bigley himself all tried to stop his promotions. The play ended happily when Finch emerged at the top with his girl at his side. After the final performance one cast member declared, Nothing feels better than going on stage and having fun. We pulled it off. There's no satisfaction like that. FALL MUSICAL 21