Griffith High School - Reflector Yearbook (Griffith, IN)

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The Big Event Views of turmoil differ It is the late 1950’s in New York City. The buildings appear lower class, covered with graffiti. The confrontation begins. A conflict based on prejudices between two rival gangs, the Sharks and the Jets. During this turmoil two young people from the opposing sides fall in love. This is the audience’s view of “West Side Story”, presented by the drama and choral departments on April 2, 3, and 4, 1982. The view of the more than 100 people involved depends on the phase of production that they participate in. The onstage view of the actors only reveals the dark faces of the audience, obscured by the glaring spotlights, and their fellow actors with them. Onc e in a while they catch a glimpse of a stage crew member in the shadows behind the sets. Those backstage have only a limited view onto the stage. The lighting panel operator can be seen manuvering levers and switches, actors can be seen preparing to make their entrances and the stage crew can be spotted sliding pieces of scenery back and forth. Others who work on make-up or costumes can’t even observe the stage level. No matter what their view, the actors, the backstage crew, and the audience were all integral to the success of the production. Dressed to kill. During the squabble between the Sharks and the Jets, Dan Stassin, Lt. Shrank, quickly intervenes before anyone gets hurt. Is all this necessary? Actors’ features must be distinguishable from the audience, which is accomplished with theatrical make-up. 21

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Tonight, tonight. Maria and Tony sing of their new found love in their balcony rendezvous in this modern version of Romeo and Juliet. In the spotlight. Maria played by senior Cindy Hardin, sings to her beloved Tony. She is torn between her brother’s gang. Jets, and Tony. I il Singing songs of revenge. The Sharks make plans to get the Jets and they listen intently as their leader, senior Ken Puent sings of them. 20

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If 1 were a rich man. Senior Mike Price, Tevye, dances with sophomore Mike Burge, Fiddler, who symbolizes the instability of life. Serious drinking. Isolated from the others in the bar, the Russians contemplate and discuss the news of Tevye’s daughter’s engagement. Behind the scenes. The play would be impossible without these people: make- up, set crew, lighting crew, and director. They are all essential. 22