Evander Childs High School - Oriole Yearbook (Bronx, NY)

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EVANDER IDYL Presented by the Graduating Class of January 1947 Curtain going up! ACT ONE; SCENE ONE TIME: SPRING, 1943 Our scene takes place in Evander ' s bustling halls. The milling throng of students gradually ebbs away as a young couple steps to centerstage. They represent the typical Evander boy and girl and are the main figures in our play. This is their first term at a senior high school and quite naturally, they are in awe at what is happening about them. They make up for their awkwardness and shynesG by their eagerness to please. So characteristically freshmen are these two, not at all like the brash sopho- mores or indolent juniors. . . As the days pass, our leading players exchange their look of open-mouthed awe for one of bright alertness. They Yes sir and No Ma ' am the teachers, gape after passing celebrities, and pour their allowances into the G.O. and the G.O. store. Banners wave gaily from their hats, proclaiming them to all the world as Evander students. The shirking of homework is considered by one and all as an unforgivable sin. . . . So ends the first scene. It shows promise of a worthwhile play. ACT ONE; SCENE TWO TIME; FALL 1943 The plot thickens! A slight change in characteri- zation is noted. We see no longer the wide-eyed look, the indrawn breath so typical of the First-termer. Our players have acquired a very small edge of sophistication which they proudly exhibit. The audience sees it as a kind of glow and applaud enthusiastically. Though just as earnest, these Second Termers have discovered a few facts which help to ease the oh! so painful burden of home- work. Thus, they have learned the knack of completing the English assignment in Math class. And when the direc- tor shouts Cut, all offenders had better watch their step! . . . The school resembles a darkened auditorium because

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i ADMINISTRANTS ELEANOK EGAN Collage Adviser JOHN A. DONOHOE Administrative Assistant JOHN BROPHY Dean of Boys KATHARINE CUNNIFFE Adnfiinistrative Assistant

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of window-taped doors on every floor reminding us con- stantly of threatened air raids. We assume our stage positions whenever the gong sounds for air raid drill. . . . Susan Mileto takes a bow as Second Term representa- tive, and the curtain falls. . . . ACT TWO; SCENE ONE TIME: SPRING 1944 Complications! Our play has a rival. For a few days, the spotlight is focused on the Evander Stock Com- pany ' s production of Junior Miss. But again interest turns to our own cast, whose play is certain of a four year run. We have begun to hear the critics, who with our audience, determine the success or failure of the pro- duction. There are flaws in the play. The producer and his assistants confer. The directors instruct the dramatis personae in the fine art of behaving in dignified manner when away from the stage. Producer Alpern did not receive rave notices from bus and trolley passengers. . . . The footlights brighten as the script im- proves. Our actors are now backstage, busying them- selves with extra-curricular activities. What versatile personages form our company! Basketball, swimming, science and math clubs and literary societies are some of the many interests which they cultivate. A group of aspiring players directed by Mrs. Allan forms a road company to visit the hospitals, giving away with each per- formance a set of bunnies. ... A common sight onstage is the frantic reading of Regents ' scripts in preparation for the big tests ahead. Our ingenues and juvenile leads wait In anxious postures for the results. ACT TWO; SCENE TWO TIME: FALL 1944 The scene opens with a double tragedy: the deaths of Miss Mabel Vermilya and Mr. John Schamus. But the show must go on, and with heavy hearts the actors con- tinue in their roles. ... A figure steps to the footlights and introduces herself as Evelyn Esposito, Fourth Term representative. . . . Our typical Evander couple are now an important part of our smoothly functioning produc- tion. They relax onstage. The Freshman stare is gone